Ryan Giggs has been out of the public eye since stepping down as Wales manager in 2022, but the former Manchester United winger is reportedly ready to return to football
Ryan Giggs and partner Zara(Image: Ryan Giggs/ Instagram)
Wales face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday night, with Craig Bellamy hoping to take his side one step closer to realising their World Cup dream.
In an alternative scenario, it could well have been Ryan Giggs at the helm of the Wales national side. However, an incident four years ago brought that prospect to an abrupt end.
Last year, Giggs spoke of his “heartbreak”, having been forced to step down as manager back in 2022.
He first took charge in 2018, but after the former Manchester United star was arrested on suspicion of assault – a charge he was subsequently cleared of – he temporarily stood aside before ultimately resigning from the role.
He was first arrested on suspicion of assault in November 2020. He stood trial, with jurors failing to reach majority verdicts on charges that he had assaulted his former partner Kate Greville and her sister Emma in the incident.
The jury also failed to reach a majority verdict on a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour during a three-year period.
Throughout the case, a number of text messages were read aloud in court, whilst Giggs admitted to being unfaithful in all his previous relationships.
(Image: PA)
A retrial was abandoned in 2023, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropping the charges after Greville said she felt “worn down” by the proceedings and could not face giving evidence again. With his standing tarnished, Giggs has kept a low profile ever since.
He welcomed a new baby with his partner in 2024, whilst his sole active involvement in football of late has been as director of football at Salford City, the League Two club he previously co-owned alongside his Class of ’92 colleagues before a takeover in May of last year.
Nevertheless, he departed that position several months ago amid speculation that he is poised to stage a comeback as a manager and re-enter the public eye.
When discussing management and a potential return to the dugout, he said: “I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully.”
He elaborated further on the matter during a conversation with former team-mate Rio Ferdinand on his podcast, disclosing that he broke down whilst watching Wales compete at the Euros from his home.
Reflecting on the experience, he said: “It was heartbreaking. It was obviously a very difficult time because I’m watching it on TV. And I’m like…who did we score against? We scored against, I can’t remember if it was Turkey.
“And we scored late on, and I’m jumping around the front room, and then all of a sudden, I look at the TV, and it’s all the staff and players jumping in the dugout, and I’m gone. Sat down and gone.”
New partner and child
Now 50, Giggs and partner Zara Charles welcomed a daughter, named Cora, on November 1, 2024. A representative for the former winger confirmed: “Ryan and his partner Zara are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Giggs, who was born on Friday 1 November.
“They extend their warmest gratitude to all the amazing staff, especially the midwives, at Wythenshawe Hospital.”
Cora is Giggs’ third child. He already has two children – Zach, 19, and Libby, 23 – from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.
The pair reside together in a seven-bedroom property in Greater Manchester, acquired last year for approximately £2.1million.
They recently enjoyed a ski trip to France and regularly share pictures on Instagram.
Football star son
Gigg’s son Zach, 19, is a very promising footballer who represents Wales U-19s and potentially has a big future. He has been on the books at Sheffield United since the decision was made for him to leave Manchester United’s academy in 2023.
Zach Giggs in action for Wales back in 2021(Image: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
The 19-year-old is also eligible for England, but has so far progressed through the age grades with Wales after previously appearing for the under-17s. He mainly plays as a left-back, but was also deployed on the right and in the centre of defence during his time in the youth ranks at Old Trafford.
He’s one of several young Welsh stars hoping to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, with both Lewis Koumas and Charlie Savage, sons of Jason and Robbie respectively, already featuring at senior level.
