Meet the Cast of ‘Necaxa’

When iconic Mexican football club Club Necaxa – Los Rayos (The Lightning Bolts) – faced extinction in Mexico City after decades of dwindling crowds and financial struggles, a Hollywood-powered lifeline emerged. In 2021, actors Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, and activist Eva Longoria joined a star-studded ownership group to rescue the historic team. But their boldest move? Uprooting the club from its birthplace and relocating it 535km north to Aguascalientes – a fiercely proud, working-class city nicknamed “Tierra de la Gente Buena” (Land of Good People).

This gritty docuseries captures Necaxa’s turbulent first season in its new home. From skeptical locals questioning foreign owners to players adapting to a raucous new stadium atmosphere, cameras roll as footballing tradition collides with Hollywood ambition. Can a 100-year-old club rewrite its destiny in a blue-collar city hungry for heroes? Expect raw locker room drama, boardroom gambles, and the electric chaos of Mexican football fandom as Necaxa fights for survival, relevance, and the soul of a community. Stream the premiere August 7 on FXX & Hulu!

Necaxa Cast list:

– Ryan Reynolds as Self

Fresh off transforming Welsh minnows Wrexham A.F.C. into a global phenomenon, Reynolds brings his trademark wit, marketing genius, and deep pockets to Mexican football. His involvement isn’t just financial – it’s a high-stakes experiment in cross-border sports revival. Reynolds’ infectious enthusiasm and social media savvy instantly amplified Necaxa’s global profile, but Aguascalientes demands real results, not just viral moments.

The docuseries captures Reynolds navigating cultural nuances, locker room speeches, and tense board meetings. His challenge? Balancing Hollywood spectacle with authentic respect for Necaxa’s legacy. Expect unguarded moments as he learns the fierce passion of Liga MX fans and the pressure of resurrecting a sleeping giant in a city that expects heart, not hype.

– Eva Longoria as Self

Longoria isn’t just a celebrity investor – she’s a powerhouse activist with deep Mexican roots and a passion for Latino representation. Her role transcends ownership: she’s a cultural bridge, advocating for community engagement and ensuring the club honors Aguascalientes’ working-class identity. Longoria’s focus is on sustainable growth, youth academies, and making Necaxa a beacon for local pride.

The cameras capture Longoria’s boots-on-the-ground diplomacy – meeting with city leaders, rallying female fans, and challenging the board to prioritize legacy over quick profits. Her emotional investment in the club’s cultural impact adds a compelling layer to the high-stakes financial and sporting drama unfolding on and off the pitch.

– Rob McElhenney as Self

The “Always Sunny” co-creator and Wrexham architect brings hard-won lower-league experience to Mexico. McElhenney’s superpower is understanding underdog narratives. In Aguascalientes, he focuses on stadium atmosphere, fan experience, and building the kind of grassroots loyalty that fueled Wrexham’s rise. His humor masks a sharp strategic mind obsessed with long-term club building.

The series showcases McElhenney’s hands-on approach: debating tacos with supporters’ groups, analyzing pitch drainage, and wrestling with the unique challenges of Liga MX. His dynamic with Reynolds provides humor, but his quiet determination to embed Necaxa into the city’s fabric reveals the true ambition behind the Hollywood glitz.