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Paul Mullin’s fairytale at Wrexham may have come to an end but it’s a journey that will certainly be remembered fondly.
His initial decision to drop two divisions from League One to the National League in 2021 was a bold move, which quickly paid off with a surge of goals that propelled the Welsh club into the EFL.
However, as Wrexham ascended, the landscape changed, presenting new challenges for the fan favourite, leaving Phil Parkinson with a busy summer of signings ahead.
EFL Analysis has taken a look at Mullin’s huge impact, his bond with the club’s celebrity owners and fan base, a surprise cameo in a Hollywood blockbuster, and his decline in game time.
- READ MORE: Wrexham must capitalise on Swansea City decision with out-of-favour ace, he’s a Paul Mullin upgrade
The risky move, dropping divisions for Wrexham
Paul Mullin’s decision to drop from League One to the National League to join Wrexham in 2021 proved to be the right one.
He arrived from Cambridge United, having just been the top scorer in League Two for them as they earned promotion to League One. Despite this, he decided to drop two divisions to join Wrexham, who were then in the National League. He made an instant impact for the club under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
His first goal for Wrexham came on October 19, 2021, when he scored both in a 2-0 win over Marine in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay. He went on to score seven goals in his first ten games for the club, having the best start of any Wrexham player since the club joined the National League in 2008.
He continued his prolific form, netting 38 league goals in Wrexham’s 2022-23 National League title-winning campaign, ending their 15-year Football League exile. He followed this with another strong season in League Two.
The goal machine, powering Wrexham’s back-to-back promotions
Paul Mullin boasts an outstanding goal record for Wrexham, cementing his status as a club hero. Since joining in 2021, he has consistently found the back of the net, playing a key role in their ascent through the leagues. In his debut 2021-22 season, he scored 32 goals across all competitions.
The following year, during Wrexham’s National League title-winning campaign, he netted an incredible 47 goals in all competitions, including 38 in the league. Mullin is part of Wrexham’s all-time goalscorers list.
He continued his prolific scoring in League Two, contributing immensely to their successive promotion, and by June 2025, had reached 110 goals for the club in 172 appearances.
| Appearances | 172 |
| Goals | 110 |
| Assists | 12 |
| Minutes per goal | 120′ |
| Minutes played | 12,621 |
The Hollywood bromance and fan favourite
Mullin was quickly embraced by the Wrexham fans and their owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
One notably amusing incident occurred on Easter Monday during the 2022/23 season, Reynolds asked Mullin for his shirt and tucked it in his underwear after their 3-2 win over Notts County.
When quizzed on why he gave up his match-worn shirt, Mullin said: “I can’t say no, can I?”
Away from the owners, the Welcome to Wrexham documentary showcases Mullin’s deep impact on the fans.
the joy his goals brought and his famous three-fist-pump celebration with the crowd. Chants of “Super Paul Mullin” echoed after each game.
The documentary also features his large mural in the town, highlighting the town’s love for him.
From the Racecourse to the red suit with a Deadpool cameo
Paul Mullin made a memorable, non-speaking cameo as “Welshpool” in Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine film.
Dressed in a Deadpool-esque suit embellished with a Welsh flag, Mullin’s appearance delighted Wrexham fans and moviegoers alike.
Reynolds, Wrexham’s co-owner, personally invited Mullin to participate, a testament to their close bond and Mullin’s iconic status at the club.
Injuries, competition, and a new chapter
Paul Mullin’s time at Wrexham faced a difficult period in League One. Following a highly successful previous season, his 2024-25 campaign was riddled with injuries, including spinal surgery which disrupted his pre-season and ongoing issues.
This, combined with the increased competition in League One and new attacking signings, saw him struggle for form and regular game time. He managed only three league goals and started just nine league games.
Eventually, he fell out of favour with manager Phil Parkinson, not making matchday squads from February onwards, leading to his recent loan departure to Wigan Athletic to seek regular starts.
On his departure, Mullin told Wigan shortly after his announcement, “It was sad to leave there how it’s ended, in a way, that happens in football, you leave clubs.
“Just the way it’s gone it has been quite disappointing, but they say as one door closes another one opens and I’m ready for a new chapter. I’m buzzing to be here and to go out every week and play for Wigan.”