Ryan Giggs has been snubbed again as the Premier League named its 2025 shortlist of nominations for the Hall of Fame, with the Manchester United icon's brother being a critic of the decision
Ryan Giggs raises his arms in bewilderment
Ryan Giggs will not be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame this year
(Image: Getty)
Rhodri Giggs has hit out at the Premier League's decision to exclude his brother Ryan Giggs from its Hall of Fame.
The Premier League recently unveiled a list of 15 nominees, two of whom will be chosen to join the prestigious group of existing names. The absence of Manchester United legend Giggs raised eyebrows, with several players who have achieved far less being selected ahead of the Welshman.
It comes in the wake of a number of off-field scandals that have seemingly overshadowed his illustrious career in recent years. That includes an eight-year affair with his brother Rhodri's wife, Natasha, which was exposed in 2011.
The affair caused a rift in the Giggs family as Rhodri and Natasha ended their marriage, although Rhodri now insists it's all in the past, even claiming he has financially benefited from it.
In response to a social media user, the 48-year-old wrote per GB News earlier this year: "Mate, it was over 14 years ago and I've got two kids with someone else and made s*** load of money from it."
He added: "I buzz off it. It was 14 years ago and I made about £1million from it. Can't be on X and not expect a little bit of shrapnel coming your way. All part of the fun."
While his brother may have moved on, Giggs' reputation seems to have been tarnished by that incident, his fling with model Imogen Thomas, and his high-profile divorce from wife Stacey, which was finalised in 2017.
The former winger, 51, also stepped down from his role as Wales manager in 2022 following his arrest on suspicion of assault. He repeatedly denied the allegations and was cleared in 2023 when his former partner Kate Greville withdrew from the trial.
The Brother of Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs, Rhodri Giggs leaving Manchester Magistrates Court after being convicted of no insurance
Rhodri Giggs has rushed to his brother's defence(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In a post ahead of the latest inductions being made, the Premier League tweeted on Sunday: "Home of the greats. Two more players will be voted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2025..."
Rhodri voiced his frustration at his brother's omission by responding with a montage of Giggs' United highlights, alongside the caption: "13 Premier League medals and countless goals and the record number of Premier League assists. #TheShamHallOfFame."
While Giggs doesn't feature on the shortlist, several of his former United team-mates do. Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham received their first nominations, while Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen were included again.
Sol Campbell, Jermain Defoe, Cesc Fabregas, Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Eden Hazard, David Silva and Yaya Toure complete the list of 2025 nominees. Giggs, who hasn't returned to coaching since 2022 but serves as Director of Football at Salford City, made 632 Premier League appearances and holds the division's assist record (162).
During his career as a one-club man, he made 963 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils. He won the Premier League title on a record 13 separate occasions, as well as four FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Fans have until 15 September to cast their votes on the Premier League website and app for who they would like to see join the Hall of Fame. The results will then be presented to the 24 current Hall of Famers, including Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, who will make the final decision on which two stars will be inducted.
Premier League Hall of Fame inductees
2021: David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer.
2022: Sergio Agüero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Patrick Vieira, Ian Wright.
2023: Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Tony Adams, Petr Cech, Rio Ferdinand.
2024: Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, John Terry.