Despite his stellar career at Manchester United, Ryan Giggs has once again been left off the Premier League Hall of Fame shortlist, even as several of his former teammates earn nominations.
The omission comes amid lingering controversy surrounding the Welshman’s personal and managerial life.
A Career of Records and Controversy
Giggs, now 51, remains one of England’s most decorated footballers, winning 13 Premier League titles and holding the all-time assist record with 162. Yet, since the Hall of Fame’s creation in 2021, he has never been nominated.
His personal life has often overshadowed his achievements.
Past scandals include an affair with his brother’s wife, a gagging order over a fling with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas, and a marriage that later collapsed.
His managerial stint with Wales also ended in turmoil after an arrest for assault in 2020. Giggs denied the allegations and was cleared in 2023 after his former girlfriend withdrew from a retrial.
Currently, Giggs has stepped away from management and works behind the scenes as director of football at Salford City.
Manchester United Dominates the Shortlist
This year’s Hall of Fame shortlist once again features a strong Manchester United presence.
Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham have been nominated for the first time, joining previous nominees Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, and Michael Owen.
Outside Old Trafford, Chelsea stars Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas headline the list.
Hazard, a two-time Premier League champion and four-time Chelsea Player of the Year, dazzled fans during his seven seasons at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas, meanwhile, sits second on the all-time Premier League assists chart with 111, helping orchestrate title wins for both Arsenal and Chelsea.
A Star-Studded 15-Man List
Other nominees include Arsenal legend Sol Campbell, Liverpool favourites Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, Spurs icon Jermain Defoe, Manchester City duo David Silva and Yaya Toure, and QPR hero Les Ferdinand.
Together, the 15 contenders boast over 5,000 Premier League appearances, more than 1,000 goals, and 44 league titles across four decades.
How Fans Can Vote
Supporters have until September 15 to cast their votes via the Premier League app and website.
The final decision rests with the 24 current Hall of Famers, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney.
The two successful nominees will be inducted at a London ceremony on November 4, each receiving a Hall of Fame medallion and a £10,000 donation in their name to a charity of their choice.