Hollywood megastar Will Ferrell, famed for his role in “Elf,” is said to be captivated by English football and has acquired a “large” stake in Leeds United FC. This move follows his investment in 49ers Enterprises as Leeds gears up for the play-offs, eyeing a Premier League comeback.
According to sources, the “Anchorman” star is now a dedicated Leeds supporter, eagerly anticipating the chance to support the team at Elland Road.
An insider revealed to The Sun on Sunday: “It’s true – Will Ferrell owns a share of Leeds.”
“The 49ers will be announcing his involvement in the coming days and he’s looking forward to sprinkling a little stardust on the club. He loves soccer and has been particularly impressed by the passion of the English game.”
“And his aim now is to see Leeds back where they belong — in the Premier League. As far as Will and the 49ers are concerned, this is a serious investment opportunity.”
With an estimated net worth of £127 million and co-ownership of Los Angeles FC, Ferrell embarked on a whirlwind tour of English matches last season. He struck up a friendship with England’s Jack Grealish during a surprise TV appearance last February at the Etihad Stadium, where he watched Manchester City triumph over Aston Villa 3-1.
He also attended a match where Wrexham, co-owned by Ryan Reynolds, defeated Wealdstone 3-1, and even enjoyed a pint at a local pub before the game.
Ferrell is expected to be officially introduced as a significant investor at Elland Road, a historic football venue, within days.
A source added: “Although they are not currently in the Premier League, everyone in football recognises Leeds is a big club with a massive fanbase.”
“Many refer to them as a ‘sleeping giant’ which Will is very aware of. He knows his football and he is determined to help bring back the glory days to Leeds.”
“The club is a big name across Europe, not just in England. It has enormous pedigree and history.”
“There is clearly a rich market for him to tap into – both financially and sporting wise.”
Daniel Farke’s Leeds missed out on automatic promotion but will now compete in the lucrative play-offs, with new investor Ferrell potentially watching his team for the first time in a possible Wembley final on May 26.
Ferrell is among a group of investors in the San Francisco-based 49ers — the £4 billion gridiron giant that acquired Leeds last June.
And the film star and producer, known for roles such as Buddy the Elf and Anchorman newscaster Ron Burgundy, made a memorable appearance on Sky Sports during his Etihad visit last year.
Sporting an LAFC hat, he humorously commandeered pundit Gary Neville’s microphone, saying: “We’ve heard enough from Gary – we’re bored stiff by Gary.”
He disclosed that he had played alongside fellow pundit Roy Keane in a Soccer Aid match and was scouting for LAFC, remarking: “I’m on a recruiting trip for LAFC – I’m seeing if Man City measure up.”
“I don’t really have a side over here – I just enjoy following all the storylines – it’s obviously a very good league.”
Grealish, a lifelong Aston Villa fan, met the comedian and shared selfies, captioning, “Did we just become best friends??? What a man.”
Ferrell later quipped on his official site: “Great to meet my new British friend Jack Grealish at the Etihad today. He told me to buy Birmingham City and to get them relegated to League 2.”
On a dramatic day at the bottom of the Championship today, that actually happened.
Ferrell also attended the 2022 FA Trophy Final at Wembley with Reynolds and former England captain David Beckham, watching Wrexham lose to Bromley.
Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, who produced the successful TV documentary “Welcome to Wrexham” following their arrival in 2020 and subsequent promotions, are not planning any similar projects according to Leeds insiders.
A source informed The Sun on Sunday: “As far as Will and the 49ers are concerned, this is a serious investment opportunity. He’s a Leeds fan now and will be supporting the team but won’t be bringing a film crew with him – that’s not in his plans at all.”
Another Hollywood A-lister and Leeds investor, Russell Crowe, grew up watching the club on Match of the Day in New Zealand. Despite being impressed by Reynolds and McElhenney’s achievements with Wrexham, Crowe stated: “I’m really impressed with Ryan and Rob, and what they are achieving, but I’m not part of that. I do however have a very small connection now financially to LUFC via the 49er family.”
This surge in celebrity investment in football clubs is echoed by British rapper Stormzy and former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha’s purchase of Croydon Athletic last year, Michael B. Jordan’s involvement with AFC Bournemouth, and American basketball star LeBron James’ investment in Liverpool’s owners, which he later converted into part-ownership of Fenway Sports Group.
Asked about Ferrell’s connection with Leeds, a club spokesman stated today: “We would never comment on the status of individual investors. It would be up to them to comment on any stake they have in the club.”
The billionaire couple Marie Denise Bartelo York, 73, and John, 75, run the San Francisco 49ers, which made its initial football investment by acquiring Leeds. John York now serves on the board of directors.
A 49ers spokeswoman declined to comment.
