Reports indicate that Hollywood actor Ferrell has invested in Championship club Leeds

Hollywood star Will Ferrell has joined the ranks of celebrity investors in the world of football, with reports emerging that he has purchased a “large” stake in Championship club Leeds. The actor is said to have invested in the US-based 49ers Enterprises group, which owns the historic Elland Road side.

Ferrell, known for his roles in movies such as Elf and Anchorman, is no stranger to sports ownership, as he is already a co-owner of Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC. His interest in English football was evident during a recent trip to watch matches, including Manchester City’s victory over Aston Villa.

Leeds now counts Ferrell among its high-profile investors, joining the likes of actor Russell Crowe, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, and golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Spieth and Thomas had previously acquired minority shares in the club, which was once a dominant force in English football.

The trend of celebrities investing in British football clubs has been on the rise, with actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owning Welsh club Wrexham and Black Panther star Michael B Jordan becoming a part-owner of Premier League side Bournemouth.

Despite missing out on automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds will now aim to secure a spot in the top-flight through the play-offs. The team, managed by Daniel Farke, will face Norwich in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled to take place at Carrow Road next Sunday. With Ferrell’s backing, Leeds will be hoping to achieve their long-awaited return to the Premier League.