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The NFL won bragging rights over Hollywood’s finest on Monday night (at least in some ways), and David Beckham was on hand to watch the contest unfold.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder was joined by his son Romeo for an appearance at St Andrew’s, where home side Birmingham City took on Wrexham in a closely contested League One match.
Beckham, 49, was on hand to support legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, whose minority ownership and role as chairman of a new advisory board in Birmingham has been confirmed in 2023.
And his appearance in the stands alongside Brady, 47, with whom he shares a close friendship, seemed to work its magic on the pitch as the home side beat Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, 3-1 on the night.
While Reynolds missed Monday’s game, actor and producer McElhenney, 47, watched a dismal performance from his Welsh club after flying to the UK shortly after attending the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
Birmingham City co-owner Tom Brady (left) was joined by David Beckham (centre) and his son Romeo (left) as the League One side beat Wrexham at St Andrew’s on Monday night.
Beckham was on hand to support close friend Brady, whose minority ownership and role as chairman of a new advisory board at Birmingham has been confirmed in 2023.
Beckham arrived alongside 22-year-old Romeo, whose fleeting soccer career came to an end last month after brief stints with MLS Next Pro franchise Inter Miami II and Premier League club Brentford.
Brady appeared in good spirits as he faced exaggerated jeers from the visiting Wrexham fans.
The NFL legend gave a thumbs up as fans chanted “who the hell are you?” in his direction.
Stansfield was Birmingham City’s superhero after the striker, League One’s most expensive player at £20m after the Blues broke the transfer record, scored twice to move them level on points with leaders Wrexham.
The division’s record signing equalised for the home side in the 22nd minute when he reacted quickest to mark a loose ball in the box before his superb guided header in the 52nd minute completed the comeback.
That came after Jack Marriott had put Wrexham ahead after just three minutes with a deflected effort, but Tomoki Iwata completed the scoring with a superb strike from 25 yards in the 59th minute.
Birmingham captain Krystian Bielik was sent off in the 86th minute after picking up two yellow cards in the space of five minutes as the Blues clung to the top of the table.
Wrexham remain top on goal difference despite suffering their first defeat of the season, while second-placed Birmingham have a game in hand.
The game marked the first league meeting between the two clubs in 29 years and a pre-match light show heightened an already electric atmosphere at St Andrew’s as the division’s two title favourites faced off with stars such as Beckham, Tom Wagner and McElhenney in attendance.
Brady appeared in good spirits as he faced jeers from the visiting Wrexham fans.
Beckham was warmly welcomed by home fans ahead of the League One match
The former footballer enjoys a close friendship with Brady that dates back to their years as a player for the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
He arrived alongside Romeo, whose fleeting football career came to an end last month after brief stints with Inter Miami II and Brentford.
Brady later thanked Beckham for “teaching” him some colourful chants on the terrace after the lively encounter at St Andrew’s.
On Instagram, he wrote: “Thanks for teaching me how to sing at a football match @davidbeckham. I can’t repeat most of what was said.”
McElhenney had previously confirmed Beckham’s unexpected attendance to his followers on social media over the weekend.
“Immediately after the Emmys I’ll be hopping on a plane and heading to Birmingham, England to watch Wrexham play Tom Brady’s team, Birmingham City,” she told her Instagram followers.
“We’re not allowed to legally bet on the games, but we have fun, we have social media and all that. I’ll be with him and I think Mr David Beckham will be there too. We should have a good time.”
