40 Facts About Ryan Giggs

Early Life and Family

Ryan Giggs' journey to football greatness began in Cardiff, Wales. His early years were shaped by his family's athletic background and a significant move to Manchester.

1. Early Life and Family: Born on November 29, 1973, in Cardiff, Wales, to Danny Wilson, a rugby union player for Cardiff RFC, and Lynne Giggs. He was christened Ryan Joseph Wilson but changed his surname to Giggs after his parents separated.

2. Move to Manchester: At six, Giggs moved to Manchester when his father joined Swinton RLFC, setting the stage for his future football career.

Youth Career and Professional Debut

Giggs' talent was evident from a young age. His early career saw him transition from local clubs to the prestigious Manchester United academy.

3. Youth Career: Giggs began his youth football career with Dean's Youth FC and later joined Manchester City's youth academy in 1985. He moved to Manchester United's youth academy in 1987, where he would eventually spend his entire professional career.

4. Professional Debut: Giggs made his professional debut for Manchester United in 1991, coming on as a substitute against Everton at Old Trafford.

Record-Breaking Career at Manchester United

Giggs' time at Manchester United is marked by numerous records and achievements, making him a legend at the club.

5. Record Appearances: Giggs holds the record for the most appearances for Manchester United with an astonishing 963 games, surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's mark of 758 appearances.

6. Goalscoring Record: During his career, Giggs scored 168 goals for Manchester United, placing him seventh on the club's all-time list of goalscorers.

7. Trophy Cabinet: Giggs is the most decorated player in British football history, winning 34 major trophies including 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions League titles.

8. Premier League Record: Giggs made a Premier League record 632 appearances between 1992 and 2014, scoring 109 goals.

International Career and Olympic Participation

Despite his club success, Giggs also made significant contributions to his national team and even represented Great Britain at the Olympics.

9. International Career: Giggs represented Wales in 64 international matches, scoring 12 goals. He also played for the England U16 and Wales U18 teams before joining the Wales U21 team.

10. Great Britain at the Olympics: In 2012, Giggs captained the British men's team at the London Olympics, playing in four matches and scoring one goal.

Transition to Management and Coaching

After hanging up his boots, Giggs transitioned into management and coaching, continuing his influence in football.

11. Interim Manager: In 2014, Giggs took over as the interim player-manager of Manchester United for the final four Premier League games of the season, following the sacking of David Moyes.

12. Assistant Manager: After his playing career, Giggs served as the assistant manager under Louis van Gaal at Manchester United from 2014 to 2016.

13. Coaching Career: Giggs became the manager of the Wales national team in 2018, a position he held until 2022.

Personal Life and Controversies

Giggs' personal life has seen its share of ups and downs, including family issues and public scandals.

14. Personal Life: Giggs married Stacey Cooke in 2007, but they divorced in 2017. He has two children with Cooke, and his son Zach is also a footballer.

15. Affair Scandal: Giggs was involved in an eight-year affair with his brother Rhodri's wife, Natasha. This scandal led to members of his family repudiating their ties to him, including his father, who expressed shame over his actions.

Philanthropy and Recognition

Beyond football, Giggs has been recognized for his charitable work and contributions to the community.

16. UNICEF Ambassador: In 2006, Giggs became an ambassador for UNICEF UK, recognizing his work with Manchester United's 'United for UNICEF' partnership. He visited UNICEF projects in Thailand and spoke about the impact of landmines on children.

17. BBC Sports Personality of the Year: In 2009, Giggs was nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year and subsequently won the award.

Honors and Awards

Giggs' career is decorated with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his impact on the sport.

18. Manchester United Player of the Decade: On December 31, 2009, Giggs was named Manchester United Player of the Decade, a testament to his enduring impact on the club.

19. Premier League Record Breaker: On December 12, 2009, Giggs surpassed Gary Speed's Premier League record of 535 games, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in the league's history.

20. Contract Extension: On December 18, 2009, Giggs signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United, ensuring he would remain with the club until June 2011 and marking his 20th anniversary with the team.

21. Honors and Awards: Giggs received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2007 for his services to football. He is also a member of the English Football Hall of Fame.

Legacy and Impact

Giggs' legacy extends beyond his playing career, influencing future generations and leaving a lasting mark on football.

22. Manchester United Honors: Giggs won numerous honors with Manchester United, including nine FA Community Shield titles, an Intercontinental Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup.

23. International Recognition: Despite his impressive domestic career, Giggs never played in a major international tournament with Wales. His last appearance was in the 1958 World Cup, where Wales did not qualify.

24. 100th Career Goal: Giggs scored his 100th career goal in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the 2002-03 season, a milestone that highlighted his longevity and consistency.

25. Final Appearance: Giggs made his final appearance for Manchester United on May 6, 2014, coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Hull City.

26. Substitute Record: Giggs holds the record for the most substitute appearances in Manchester United's history, coming off the bench 159 times and scoring 10 goals.

27. Goal Scoring Streak: Giggs scored in every one of his 22 Premier League seasons, failing to find the net only in his final term with the club in 2013-14.

28. Club Loyalty: All of Giggs' 632 Premier League appearances were made with Manchester United, another record that underscores his loyalty to the club.

29. Legacy at Manchester United: Giggs is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history, contributing significantly to the team's success during his career.

30. Impact on Welsh Football: Despite not leading Wales to a major tournament, Giggs remains an iconic figure in Welsh football, inspiring generations of players with his dedication and skill.

Post-Retirement Ventures

Even after retiring from professional football, Giggs continues to stay connected to the sport through various ventures.

31. Co-Ownership of Salford City: After retiring from football, Giggs became a co-owner of Salford City, furthering his involvement in the sport beyond his playing days.

32. Philanthropic Work: Giggs has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including his work with UNICEF and other organizations, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the community.

Athletic Heritage and Early Success

Giggs' athletic prowess can be traced back to his family's sporting background, and his early success set the tone for his illustrious career.

33. Family Ties: Giggs is a distant cousin of Barbados international footballer Curtis Hutson, adding another layer to his rich football heritage.

34. Athletic Inheritance: Giggs inherited his balance and athleticism from his father, Danny Wilson, a rugby union player who also represented Wales internationally.

35. Early Success: Giggs won his first trophy with Manchester United in April 1992 when the team defeated Nottingham Forest in the League Cup final. This marked the beginning of a long list of honors he would accumulate over the years.

36. Young Player of the Year: In 1991 and 1992, Giggs was voted the Young Player of the Year by the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association), recognizing his rapid rise to prominence in the football world.

Memorable Moments and Career Milestones

Giggs' career is filled with unforgettable moments and significant milestones that have cemented his place in football history.

37. Solo Goal in FA Cup: In 1999, Giggs scored a memorable solo goal in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal, which was voted by fans as one of Manchester United's greatest goals.

38. Career Milestones: Giggs bagged his 100th career goal in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the 2002-03 season and surpassed Gary Speed's Premier League record in December 2009.

39. Managerial Roles: After retiring as a player, Giggs took on various managerial roles, including serving as the interim player-manager and assistant manager at Manchester United before becoming the manager of the Wales national team.

40. Legacy Beyond Football: Giggs' impact extends beyond his playing career. He has inspired countless young players and remains a beloved figure in the football community, both in Wales and globally.

The Legacy of Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs' career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days in Manchester United's youth academy to becoming the club's most decorated player, his journey is filled with remarkable achievements. With 963 appearances and 168 goals for Manchester United, Giggs set records that may never be broken. His 34 major trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles, highlight his impact on the sport.

Beyond his club success, Giggs also made significant contributions to Welsh football and even captained the British men's team at the 2012 Olympics. His transition to coaching and co-owning Salford City shows his continued passion for football. Despite personal controversies, his professional legacy remains intact. Giggs' story is one of dedication, skill, and an unwavering commitment to the beautiful game. His influence will inspire future generations of footballers.