Paul Mullin stands as a name that sparks excitement, debate, and admiration among football fans, especially those who cheer for Wrexham AFC. This striker, once a little-known talent from England’s lower leagues, now shines as a global figure thanks to his incredible goal-scoring feats and the Hollywood-backed rise of his club. With owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney thrusting Wrexham into the spotlight, Mullin grabs headlines not just for his skills but for his loyalty, grit, and unexpected twists in his career. So, who is Paul Mullin, and why does his story keep fans talking in 2025? Let’s dive into his journey, his latest chapters, and what makes him a legend in the making.
From Merseyside to the Football Spotlight
Paul Philip Mullin entered the world on November 6, 1994, in Litherland, a small town in Merseyside, England, where football runs through the veins of every kid kicking a ball on the street. Growing up, he dreams of making it big, and his talent soon catches the eye of local giants Everton and Liverpool, two clubs that shape his early years in their youth academies. Although he never breaks into their first teams, Mullin refuses to let rejection dim his fire. Instead, he carves his own path, moving to Huddersfield Town’s academy, where he hones his skills and builds the foundation for a career that defies expectations.
After leaving Huddersfield without a senior appearance, Mullin took his first real step into professional football with Morecambe in 2014. He scores on his league debut against Newport County, showing flashes of the goal-scoring instinct that will later define him. However, consistency eluded him in those early days, and he bounced between clubs like Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers, picking up experience and resilience along the way. By 2020, he lands at Cambridge United, and that’s where everything changes—Mullin transforms from a journeyman into a star.
The Cambridge United Breakthrough
Cambridge United hands Mullin a chance to shine in the 2020-21 season, and he grabs it with both hands, delivering a campaign that rewrites the record books. He smashes 32 goals in League Two, clinching the Golden Boot and powering Cambridge to promotion into League One. Fans chant his name, and the club honors him by renaming a stand the “Paul Mullin Stand”—a rare tribute for a player still in his prime. His relentless work rate, sharp finishing, and knack for big moments turn heads across English football, making him a hot commodity at just 26 years old.
Yet, just when everyone expects Mullin to climb higher up the football ladder, he shocks the sport by choosing a different direction. Wrexham AFC, a club stuck in the non-league National League, comes calling with a bold vision backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Mullin signs with them in 2021, dropping two divisions in a move that leaves pundits scratching their heads. He later explains that the ambition of the project, plus the chance to stay close to his family in Merseyside, drives his decision. Little does anyone know, this gamble will spark one of football’s wildest success stories.
Wrexham’s Rise and Mullin’s Magic
Wrexham welcomes Mullin with open arms, and he wastes no time proving his worth, lighting up the National League with goals that fuel the club’s resurgence. In his first season (2021-22), he bags 26 goals, topping the scoring charts and dragging Wrexham to the brink of promotion. Although they fall short in the playoffs, Mullin’s impact shines through, earning him the Player of the Month award in November 2021 after a string of clutch performances. Fans adore his passion, and his connection with the club deepens as he embraces the community and its dreams.
The 2022-23 season brings even more fireworks—Mullin explodes for 38 league goals, a jaw-dropping tally that secures Wrexham the National League title and a long-awaited return to the Football League. He celebrates with supporters, belting out songs in pubs and cementing his status as a folk hero. Then, in 2023-24, he keeps the momentum rolling, scoring 24 goals in League Two and helping Wrexham earn back-to-back promotions into League One. By March 2025, Mullin boasted over 100 goals for Wrexham in just three-and-a-half seasons, a record that rivals some of the game’s biggest names.
The Hollywood Connection
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney don’t just own Wrexham—they fuel its fairy tale, and Mullin becomes their leading man on the pitch. The duo’s hit docuseries Welcome to Wrexham beams Mullin’s story to millions worldwide, turning him into a household name far beyond North Wales. Reynolds calls Mullin’s autobiography My Wrexham Story “the best book I’ve ever read,” while McElhenney dubs him “one of the greatest footballers in the world.” Their playful hype reflects genuine admiration for a player who delivers when it matters most.
Off the field, Mullin bonds with his famous bosses, joining them for wild celebrations in Las Vegas after the 2023 title win and even popping up as “Welshpool” in Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine movie in 2024. Yet, he stays grounded, shrugging off the stardom with a grin and focusing on football and family. His humility wins over fans, who see him as one of their own—a working-class lad living a dream without losing his roots.
Challenges in League One: The 2024-25 Season
Fast forward to March 2025, and Mullin faces a new chapter in League One, where Wrexham battles at the top end of the table after their latest promotion. However, this season throws curveballs his way, testing his resolve like never before. A spinal surgery in June 2024 sidelines him for pre-season, leaving him playing catch-up when the campaign kicks off. He returns to action in September but struggles to find his scoring touch, managing just a handful of goals by mid-March.
Critics point to damning stats: fewer shots, missed chances, and even stints on the bench or out of the matchday squad altogether. Manager Phil Parkinson sticks by him, insisting that Mullin’s surgery and lack of preparation explain the dip. “He’s getting opportunities, and he knows another chance is around the corner,” Parkinson says in a recent interview. Still, whispers grow louder—some fans and former players wonder if Wrexham’s new signings, like Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith, signal a shift away from their talisman.
FAQs
Why did Paul Mullin drop from League One to the National League with Wrexham?
Paul Mullin surprises everyone in 2021 when he leaves Cambridge United, a newly promoted League One side, for Wrexham in the non-league National League. He chooses this path because Wrexham’s ambitious project, led by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, excites him with its promise of growth and glory. Plus, staying close to his family in Merseyside plays a huge role in his decision, outweighing the lure of higher divisions.
How has Paul Mullin performed for Wrexham since joining in 2021?
Since signing with Wrexham, Paul Mullin has dominated the scoring charts, racking up over 100 goals by March 2025 across three-and-a-half seasons. He tops the National League with 26 goals in 2021-22, smashes 38 in 2022-23 to win the title, and adds 24 in 2023-24 for a League Two promotion. This season in League One, though, he struggles a bit, scoring fewer goals due to injury setbacks.
What’s the deal with Mullin’s spinal surgery and how does it affect him now?
In June 2024, Paul Mullin underwent minor spinal surgery in London to fix a nagging lower-back and hamstring issue, forcing him to miss Wrexham’s pre-season. He returns in September but takes time to hit full stride, with manager Phil Parkinson noting he’s not yet match-fit. As of March 2025, this setback explains his slower start in League One, though he’s fighting to regain his form.
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