Natalie Portman, co-owner of the Los Angeles-based professional women’s soccer team, Angel City Football Club, has revealed that she has discussed the possibility of a « friendly » match between her team and Wrexham AFC Women, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Portman, who helped start the league with co-owners Eva Longoria, Mia Hamm, and Serena Williams, among others, spoke about the challenges she faced in getting the team off the ground, including facing a lot of rejection before getting the big yes. However, she remained determined, believing in the team and the world-class athletes on its roster. Angel City F.C. placed eighth in its inaugural season in the National Women’s Soccer League in 2022, and their model has inspired other female-led teams in other cities.
Portman’s team has also served as a source of inspiration for her own family, with the actress sharing the sport with her two children, Aleph and Amalia. She believes that female athletes are important for girls to see, but it’s also important for all kids to see female athletes. As a girl growing up, she idolized male athletes, and she thinks that greatness is something that we can admire and aspire to, no matter what form it comes in. The journey to create Angel City F.C. was a long time coming, but Portman’s belief in the team and the world-class athletes on its roster kept her going. The team’s success has been a source of inspiration for other female-led teams in other cities, and Portman hopes to share their playbook so that others can learn from their successes and mistakes.
Keywords: Natalie Portman, Angel City Football Club, Wrexham AFC Women, women’s soccer, female athletes, National Women’s Soccer League, female-led teams.