Landon Donovan believes Lincoln City, rather than Wrexham, represents the true underdog story in English soccer.
The USMNT legend has served as a strategic advisor for the club since 2021, playing a key role in guiding the team to the Sky Bet Championship for the first time since 1961.
While Wrexham has captured global attention through the glamour of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Donovan argues that Lincoln City’s success better encapsulates the "underdog" narrative.
For Donovan, the Imps' ability to compete and succeed without the massive financial backing seen at the Racecourse Ground is what makes their rise truly remarkable.
Donovan Challenges Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham Underdog Story.
Lincoln is one of several clubs in England featuring American investment. Alongside Donovan’s role as strategic advisor, the primary ownership stake is held by former San Diego Padres co-owner Ron Fowler.
While The Imps’ journey may lack the global spotlight of Wrexham, Donovan values their progress more highly than that of the Welsh club.
The USMNT’s record goalscorer drew attention to the significant capital invested by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney since taking over at Wrexham.
“It's the underdog story, right?” he said in an interview with The Mirror US.
“Wrexham has been great for everybody, but they’ve done a great job of telling it as an underdog story, but it’s not really an underdog story, because they’ve been spending more than everybody else,” he remarked.
Photo by Kya Banasko/Getty Images
The Welsh Team has aggressively invested in their squad, spending over $40 Million in the 2025 summer transfer window alone to compete in the Championship. This included the club-record signing of Welsh forward Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town in a deal worth $13.5 Million.
In stark contrast, Lincoln City FC has consistently ranked in the lower half of League One in terms of spending.
Donovan used this financial disparity to drive his message home. “This year, Lincoln will spend the 17th most of the clubs in the league — 17 out of 24. And they’re top. The only metric that really matters in sports is where you finish based on what you spend.”
“Wrexham spends way more than everybody, so they'd better get promoted. It's not like some miracle story. It’s amazing for everybody, and it’s brought attention that everybody is benefiting from, but this Lincoln story is miraculous. It’s been really fun to be a part of.”
While critical of the underdog label, Donovan extended credit to the club's owners for their influence.
“It depends on what you want. The bright lights and the reality show, that aspect is fun to watch. I'm a consumer. I love watching what Rob and Ryan have done. It’s amazing, and it’s fun to watch and be involved in.”
