Rhodri Giggs Defends Ryan Amid Hall of Fame Controversy

Rhodri Giggs has publicly defended his older brother, Ryan Giggs, as the latter continues to be overlooked for induction into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame. This comes despite a history marked by personal turmoil, including an eight-year affair that profoundly affected their family dynamics. Today, as Ryan celebrates his 52nd birthday, Rhodri’s support underscores a commitment to move beyond past grievances.

Ryan Giggs, a celebrated figure in football, holds the record for 13 Premier League titles and is renowned for his all-time assist record in the league. Despite these achievements, his contributions have not yet earned him a place in the prestigious Hall of Fame, which is surprising to many fans and observers. Earlier this year, the Premier League unveiled a shortlist of nominees, notably absent from which was Ryan, prompting Rhodri’s strong reaction.

In September 2023, the Premier League revealed a list of 15 nominees, which included several of Ryan’s former teammates, such as Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney. Neville was ultimately inducted alongside former Chelsea star Eden Hazard. Disappointed by Ryan’s exclusion, Rhodri took to social media to express his frustration. He shared a highlight montage of Ryan’s career, commenting, “13 Premier League medals and countless goals and the record number of Premier League assists. #TheShamHallOfFame.”

Ryan’s legacy has been complicated by off-field controversies, including a recent incident in 2022 that led to his resignation as manager of the Wales national team following an arrest for assault. Although he consistently denied the allegations, the fallout has impacted his reputation. In 2023, the charges were dropped after his ex-partner, Kate Greville, withdrew from the trial.

While Ryan seeks to return to football management, Rhodri has made it clear that he harbors no ill feelings toward his brother. Reflecting on their turbulent past, he stated, “Mate, it was over 14 years ago and I’ve got two kids with someone else and made a s*** load of money from it.” He also mentioned that he benefited financially from the situation, estimating his earnings at around £1 million.

The rift caused by Ryan’s affair with Natasha Giggs, Rhodri’s ex-wife, led to their divorce and strained family relations. Despite this, Rhodri’s recent comments indicate a desire to put the past behind them. He expressed pride in Ryan’s football achievements, which include 963 appearances and 168 goals during his illustrious career.

While Rhodri’s support may surprise some, it reflects a broader sentiment regarding the Hall of Fame’s treatment of Ryan Giggs. Other inductees include notable figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Eric Cantona, and Paul Scholes, all of whom enjoyed illustrious careers at Manchester United. The lack of recognition for Ryan, despite his substantial contributions, remains a contentious topic among fans.

As the football community continues to discuss Ryan’s legacy, Rhodri’s defense serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal relationships and public perception in the world of sports. With the potential for Ryan to return to a managerial role, the ongoing dialogue surrounding his Hall of Fame candidacy remains relevant to his legacy and family dynamics.