Ryan Giggs has once more been overlooked for the Premier League Hall of Fame despite a glittering career that saw him lift 13 league titles and register a record 162 assists. Since the award’s launch in 2021 the Manchester United great has never featured on the shortlist.
The continued absence reflects how his achievements remain overshadowed by controversies away from football. His affair with his brother’s wife Natasha Giggs became public, while an injunction regarding a fling with television personality Imogen Thomas ended in court. His marriage later collapsed. As Wales manager he was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of assault, allegations he denied. A retrial was abandoned in 2023 when his former partner Kate Greville withdrew her complaint and he was formally cleared. Now 51, he has not returned to management and works quietly as director of football at Salford City.
Two of Giggs’ former Old Trafford colleagues are included for the first time. Patrice Evra and Teddy Sheringham join a shortlist already featuring Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar and Michael Owen.
Chelsea are strongly represented with Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas. Hazard twice won the Premier League and claimed four club player of the year awards during seven seasons at Stamford Bridge. Fabregas is second only to Giggs in career assists with 111 and played central roles in title triumphs for both Arsenal and Chelsea. The London club already has Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, John Terry and Ashley Cole enshrined.
Elsewhere the nominees include Arsenal’s Sol Campbell, Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe, Manchester City pair David Silva and Yaya Toure and former QPR forward Les Ferdinand.
Between them the 15 players have amassed more than 5,000 league appearances, over 1,000 goals and 44 titles. Fans can vote via the Premier League website and app until September 15.
The results will be reviewed by the existing Hall of Fame members including Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney. Two players will be inducted at a London ceremony on November 4 with each receiving a medallion and a £10,000 donation to a chosen charity.