Mark Consuelos is once again in the headlines, and this time it’s not just for his television career. The popular “Live with Kelly and Mark” co-host, alongside his wife Kelly Ripa, has captured the imagination of sports fans after purchasing Campobasso FC, a storied Italian soccer club, in 2022. Their inspiring journey as underdog team owners is now the focus of a new four-part ESPN docuseries, “Running with the Wolves,” and their recent conversation with David Muir has the world buzzing.
The couple sat down with Muir ahead of the docuseries’ release to share their excitement—and anxiety—about helping revive a town’s centuries-old football dreams. Mark Consuelos, who spent much of his childhood in Italy and is passionate about soccer, explained that their story is rooted in perseverance and hope. For fans familiar with Consuelos only as a TV personality, seeing him don the hat of a sports club executive is as surprising as it is refreshing.
A New Chapter for Campobasso FC
Campobasso FC, known locally as the “Lupi” (Wolves), was on the brink of collapse after its previous owners went bankrupt. Enter Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa, whose investment breathed new life into the club, allowing it to continue representing its proud Italian community.
- The town of Campobasso had fielded a team for over 100 years.
- The club quickly found success after the purchase, claiming two championships and earning promotion to Italy’s third division, the highest in its history.
- Consuelos admitted, “We had no idea what we were doing” when first taking on the club—but their courage paid off.
Kelly Ripa, never one to sit on the sidelines, brought humor and candor to the process, even admitting that “it’s much easier to give birth” than to ride the emotional rollercoaster of being a soccer team owner. She described the wild ride as an adventure in patience, humility, and learning, ultimately calling it “the quintessential underdog story”.
Bringing the Underdog Spirit to Life
A key topic in Mark Consuelos’ and Kelly Ripa’s discussion with David Muir was the spirit of rooting for the underdogs. Campobasso FC’s revival is more than just a sports story—it’s about reigniting hope in a small Italian town and connecting with a passionate fan base that feels the club is part of their identity.
- Consuelos revealed that, when they purchased the team, they had no coach or players just ten days before the season’s start.
- The community initially greeted the American couple with skepticism. Over time, their dedication and willingness to embrace local culture earned them respect and even affection.
- “This is more than just about soccer. This is about their identity,” Mark said.
Both Consuelos and Ripa are determined to make Campobasso FC a long-term success and a symbol of how belief and hard work can change a community’s fortunes.
Sports, Family, and Fresh Challenges
Owning an Italian soccer team has forced Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa to juggle their demanding television careers with their passion project in Europe. This balancing act often led to comical and poignant moments, such as Ripa joking about picking players based on their looks, or stuffing her scarf in her mouth when games went sideways.
The couple’s story proves that risk and faith in the face of uncertainty can inspire others—on the field, in business, and in life.
What’s Next for Mark Consuelos?
With “Running with the Wolves” now airing on ESPN and a new season on the horizon for Campobasso FC, Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa show no signs of slowing down. Their journey continues to inspire dreamers everywhere who see themselves in the underdog and believe that, with heart and hustle, anything is possible.
Have you followed Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa’s soccer journey? What do you think about celebrities investing in underdog teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below or stay tuned for more updates!