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Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is a Welsh former professional footballer and football manager best known for his long career with Manchester United.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ryan Giggs is a Welsh former professional footballer and manager best known for his long career with Manchester United. He played primarily as a left midfielder or winger and became one of the most decorated players in English football. He also represented Wales internationally and later served in coaching and managerial roles.

Early life and background

Ryan Giggs was born in Cardiff and later moved to Manchester as a child. He is the son of former rugby player Danny Wilson and was raised in Wales and northwest England.

Club career

Giggs is best known for his one-club senior career with Manchester United, beginning in the early 1990s and lasting more than two decades. He made his professional debut in 1991 and went on to become Manchester United's record appearance holder with 963 competitive appearances. He won 13 English league titles, the most by any player in English football, along with numerous other domestic and European honours.

International career

Giggs represented Wales at senior level and was one of the country's leading players of his era. He earned 64 caps for Wales and retired from international football in 2007.

Coaching and management

After his playing career, Giggs moved into coaching and managerial roles. He worked in Manchester United's staff structure and later managed the Wales national team.

Honours and recognition

Giggs received numerous awards and records recognition for his club career, including an OBE and induction into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. He is widely noted for his longevity, consistency, and trophy haul with Manchester United.

Key facts

  • Ryan Giggs played his entire senior club career with Manchester United, making 963 competitive appearances.
  • He won 13 English league titles, the most by any player in English football.
  • He earned 64 caps for Wales and retired from international football in 2007.
  • He was appointed an OBE and inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
  • Giggs represented Wales at senior level and later managed the national team.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ryan Giggs?
Ryan Giggs is a Welsh former footballer and manager, best known for his long career as a midfielder and winger with Manchester United.
What club did Ryan Giggs play for?
He played senior club football only for Manchester United.
How many appearances did Ryan Giggs make for Manchester United?
He made 963 competitive appearances for Manchester United.
What position did Ryan Giggs play?
He played mainly as a left midfielder or left winger.
Did Ryan Giggs play for Wales?
Yes. He earned 64 caps for Wales and retired from international football in 2007.
When did Ryan Giggs retire from playing?
He retired from playing at the end of the 2013–14 season.

References

  1. Premier Leaguehttps://www.premierleague.com/en/players/3/ryan-giggs/overview
    Supports: Date of birth, nationality, appearances, goals, assists
  2. Manchester Unitedhttps://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/ryan-giggs
    Supports: Manchester United career, debut, appearances, goals, joined and left dates
  3. National Football Museumhttps://nationalfootballmuseum.com/halloffame/ryan-giggs/
    Supports: Hall of Fame induction, honours, records, career summary
  4. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Giggs
    Supports: Birthplace, early life, career timeline, retirement, managerial roles
  5. BBC Sporthttps://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13507115
    Supports: General biographical overview and reputation