Ryan Giggs is widely regarded as as Manchester United and Wales legend but his personal life and legal battles have overshadowed his immense achievements on the pitch
Legendary Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs
Legendary Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Once a household name and the most decorated player in Premier League history, Ryan Giggs, synonymous with Manchester United's glory days, has now retreated from the limelight.
Giggs, whose name was once chanted in every corner of Old Trafford, has quietly faded into the background.
His life off the pitch is a stark contrast to his previous high-profile existence. Giggs, who became a father again last year, is now navigating parenthood in his fifties while maintaining a low-key job far removed from the footballing spotlight.
Despite this, the United and Wales legend remains a contentious figure. His illustrious playing career is often overshadowed by personal scandals and ongoing legal battles, elements that continue to tarnish his legacy and undoubtedly influence perceptions at the top tiers of football.
So, who is Ryan Giggs today? A football legend, possibly a polarising character, a man reconstructing his life away from the public eye - this is the former Wales manager now, reports Wales Online.
His current role in football
Giggs' only active involvement in football at present is as director of football at Salford City, a League Two club he previously co-owned with his Class of '92 colleagues before a takeover in May this year.
A new ownership consortium, spearheaded by former United teammates Gary Neville and David Beckham, purchased the club from the original Class of '92 shareholders and the former majority shareholder, Peter Lim.
Though Giggs' director of football position was never formally announced, he has been a regular presence in the dugout in recent months, working closely with manager Karl Robinson, who has praised his contribution as "outstanding".
The 10% stake he purchased in Salford back in 2014 has effectively provided him with a pathway back into the sport following his Wales departure and subsequent court proceedings.
Ryan Giggs sits next to his partner Zara Charles at a Salford match
Ryan Giggs sits next to his partner Zara Charles at a Salford match
Internal club interviews and a Sky documentary revealed him assisting on the training ground and offering guidance behind the scenes, whilst his profile was elevated further when Salford faced Manchester City in the FA Cup.
For the time being, the position keeps him connected to football in a significant capacity. However, compared to his illustrious career at Manchester United and his tenure as Wales boss, being restricted to Salford highlights just how far removed from the mainstream Giggs now finds himself.
All this occurs two years after domestic abuse allegations against him were dropped. He was cleared after his former girlfriend, Kate Greville, chose not to provide testimony in a retrial and Giggs, who had denied the charges, subsequently began rebuilding his career.
When discussing management and a potential return to the dugout, he stated: "I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully."
Having a baby at 50
Giggs became a father once more at the age of 50 after his partner Zara Charles gave birth to their first child together. The pair welcomed a daughter, named Cora, on November 1 last year.
A spokesperson for the former Manchester United legend confirmed: "Ryan and his partner Zara are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Giggs, who was born on Friday 1 November.
"They extend their warmest gratitude to all the amazing staff, especially the midwives, at Wythenshawe Hospital."
Cora represents Giggs' third child.
The Wales icon already shares two youngsters – Zach, 18, who plays for Sheffield United and Wales youth teams, and Libby, 22 – with ex-wife Stacey Cooke.
Zara, a 37-year-old lingerie model who has been in a relationship with Giggs since 2021, also has a daughter from a former partnership.
The pair reside in a sprawling seven-bedroom property in Greater Manchester, which they acquired last year for approximately £2.1million.
Restaurant closure
Despite his remarkable achievements on the football pitch, Giggs' business endeavours beyond sport have proven considerably less successful.
Back in 2014, he teamed up with childhood friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor to launch George's Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, the Manchester suburb where he was raised.
Described as a "lifelong dream" for the trio of locals, the establishment became a beloved destination for almost ten years. However, earlier this year, George's abruptly ceased trading.
Workers received text messages informing them the venture was closing immediately, blaming a dramatic decline in customers and escalating expenses during the cost-of-living crisis.
A handwritten notice in the window confirmed the premises would stay closed permanently. Staff members were told they would receive their outstanding wages, though many described the announcement as completely unexpected.
"It came totally out of the blue," one worker informed the Manchester Evening News.
The shutdown brought to an end a personal venture that Giggs had envisioned would establish Worsley as a culinary hotspot. It also highlighted the challenges that even famous personalities encounter when venturing outside of football.
Premier League Hall of Fame snub
Giggs has been passed over once more for inclusion in the Premier League Hall of Fame, despite holding the record as the division's most successful player with 13 championship victories and an unprecedented 162 assists.
Ever since the Hall of Fame's inception in 2021, Giggs has never received a nomination, whilst numerous former Manchester United colleagues – including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney – have already gained entry.
This year's nominees feature another strong Manchester United representation. Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham appear on the shortlist for the first time, alongside Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen, who have all featured on previous lists.
Ex-Chelsea stars Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas also feature amongst the candidates.
2021 inductees: David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer.
2022: Sergio Agüero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright.
2023: Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsène Wenger, Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand.
2024: Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, John Terry.