Inside Ryan Giggs' life now with family announcement at 50 and Premier League snub

Ryan Giggs, once a household name in British football and the most decorated player in Premier League history, now leads a life far removed from his Manchester United glory days. Once the face of Old Trafford, Giggs has gradually faded into obscurity. His current lifestyle is a stark contrast to his former high-profile existence. Giggs, who became a father again last year, is now navigating parenthood in his fifties while working in a low-key role far from the limelight of professional football.

Despite his illustrious playing career, Giggs remains a contentious figure. His legacy is often overshadowed by personal scandals and ongoing legal issues, which undoubtedly influence how he is perceived at the highest echelons of the sport.

So, who is Ryan Giggs today?

A football legend, a polarising character, a man rebuilding his life away from the public eye - this is the former Wales football manager now....

Current role in football

Giggs' only active involvement in football is as director of football at Salford City, a League Two club he previously co-owned with his Class of '92 colleagues before a takeover earlier this year.

A new ownership consortium, spearheaded by Gary Neville and David Beckham, bought the club from the original Class of '92 shareholders and the previous majority owner, Peter Lim.

Although Giggs' director of football role was never officially confirmed, he has become a familiar figure on the touchline in recent months, collaborating closely with manager Karl Robinson, who has hailed his input as "outstanding".

The 10 per cent shareholding he acquired in Salford during 2014 has essentially provided him with a pathway back into football following his departure from Wales and the subsequent legal proceedings.

Internal club footage and a Sky documentary revealed him assisting on the training ground and offering guidance from the shadows, whilst his public profile received a boost when Salford took on Manchester City in the FA Cup.

For the time being, the position maintains his connection to football in a substantial manner. However, when measured against his illustrious playing days at Manchester United and his tenure as Wales boss, being restricted to Salford highlights just how distant from the spotlight Giggs has become.

This situation unfolds two years following the collapse of domestic abuse allegations against him. He was cleared of wrongdoing after his former partner, Kate Greville, chose not to testify in a retrial, with Giggs, who had contested the accusations, subsequently working to restore his reputation.

Discussing management and a possible return to the touchline, he remarked: "I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully."

Becoming a father at 50

Giggs welcomed another child at 50 after his girlfriend Zara Charles delivered their first baby together. The pair celebrated the arrival of a daughter, Cora, on November 1 last year.

A spokesperson for the former Manchester United legend 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.

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He is already father to two children - Zach, 18, a footballer with Sheffield United and Wales youth, and Libby, 22 - from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.

Zara, a model, 37, who has been romantically linked with Giggs since 2021, also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

The pair live together in a seven-bedroom mansion in Greater Manchester, acquired last year for approximately £2.1million.

Restaurant closure

Despite all his triumphs on the pitch, Giggs' business endeavours away from football have proved far less lasting.

In 2014, he teamed up with school friends Kelvin Gregory and Bernie Taylor to launch George's Dining Room and Bar in Worsley, the Manchester suburb where he was raised.

Described as a "lifelong dream" for the three locals, it became a beloved establishment for nearly a decade.

However, earlier this year, the restaurant shut down unexpectedly, blaming a dramatic decline in custom and escalating expenses amid the cost-of-living crisis.

"It came totally out of the blue," one worker informed the Manchester Evening News.

Premier League Hall of Fame snub

Giggs has been ignored once more for the Premier League Hall of Fame, despite holding the record as the competition's most successful player with 13 league titles and a record 162 assists.

Since the Hall of Fame's establishment in 2021, Giggs has never received a nomination, whilst numerous former Manchester United colleagues - including Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney - have already gained entry.

This year's nominees once again feature a substantial United representation. Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham have received their first nominations, alongside Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen, who have all appeared on previous shortlists.

Former Chelsea stars Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are also among the candidates.

2021 inductees: David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer.

2022: Sergio Aguero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright. 2023: Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand.

2024: Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, John Terry.