Ryan Giggs
The only player to feature in every one of the first 22 Premier League seasons and score in each of the first 21.
Ryan Joseph Giggs is a Welsh football legend whose entire professional career was dedicated to Manchester United. Born in Cardiff but raised in Salford, he joined the club on his 14th birthday and became one of the most decorated players in history. Regarded as a giant of his generation, Giggs made over 1,000 career appearances, holding the club record with 963 competitive games. He transitioned from a left midfielder to an assistant manager under Louis van Gaal before resigning as manager of Wales in June 2022.
- Role
- Left Winger / Midfielder
- Club
- Manchester United
- Nationality
- Welsh
- Status
- Retired (Player), Former Manager & Head Coach
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Giggs' journey began after his family moved from Cardiff to Salford when he was six, following his father's switch to rugby league. A local newsagent named Harold Wood spotted him playing for Deans FC and recommended him to Alex Ferguson. On 29 November 1987, his 14th birthday, Ferguson offered him associate schoolboy forms, persuading the young talent with a promise of turning professional in three years. Using the name Ryan Wilson initially, he played for England at schoolboy level before changing his surname at 16. He made his League debut on 2 March 1991 against Everton and quickly became a first-team regular. His early career was marked by winning the FA Youth Cup in 1992 alongside 'Fergie's Fledglings' and collecting his first senior silverware in the 1991-92 season, the League Cup, where he set up Brian McClair for the only goal.
In Their Own Story
By the start of the 1992–93 season, Giggs had secured the left-winger spot, helping United win their first top-division title in 26 years. He became the first player to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards in 1992 and 1993. His longevity was unmatched; he is the only player to play in each of the first 22 Premier League seasons and score in the first 21. During his time at United, he secured 13 Premier League titles, more than any other player in history, alongside four FA Cups, three League Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. He also holds records for the most assists in both Premier League (162) and UEFA Champions League (41) history. Towards the end of the 2013–14 season, he served as interim player-manager after David Moyes' sacking before becoming assistant manager under Louis van Gaal. He left the club in July 2016 following José Mourinho's appointment.
Reader's Guide
Giggs managed the Wales national team from January 2018 until his resignation in June 2022, leading them to qualification for UEFA Euro 2020. However, he did not manage at the tournament due to his arrest on suspicion of assault, with assistant Rob Page taking charge. Internationally, he earned 64 caps between 1991 and 2007 and captained Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. His individual accolades include being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2009 and receiving an OBE in 2007. He was elected to the PFA Team of the Century in 2007 and the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003. Currently, he is a co-owner of Salford City.
Did You Know?
- Giggs was born as Ryan Wilson and only changed his surname to Giggs at age 16 after his mother remarried.
- He is one of only a select group of players in history to make over 1,000 career appearances.
- Giggs won two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), following Paul Gascoigne who first achieved the feat in 1985 and 1986.
- He holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history with 162.
- Despite winning 13 Premier League titles, he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ryan Giggs?
Ryan Giggs is a Welsh football icon who spent his entire professional career at Manchester United between 1990 and 2014. Widely celebrated as one of the greatest players in Premier League history, he became synonymous with Old Trafford's success.
What position did Ryan Giggs play?
Starting as a dazzling wide winger on the left flank, Giggs evolved his game over time to become a deep-lying playmaker in midfield. This adaptability allowed him to maintain high performance levels for two decades.
How long was Ryan Giggs's career?
His professional tenure spanned an unprecedented twenty-four seasons, running continuously from 1990 until his retirement in 2014. This longevity stands as a record for the club and is rare among top-flight athletes.
What did Ryan Giggs do after retiring?
Following his retirement, Giggs transitioned into management by serving as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant before taking over as the club's first-team manager. His post-playing career focused on developing tactics and mentoring younger players within the United system.
Why is Ryan Giggs important to football history?
Giggs represents an era of sustained dominance, bridging Manchester United's glory years from the 1990s through the 2000s. His consistency and trophy haul make him a defining figure in English football history.
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