Calls grow for Ryan Giggs’ induction into Premier League Hall of Fame
The Premier League is facing growing calls to admit Ryan Giggs to its Hall of Fame, six years after withdrawing an invitation that would have made him one of its founding members, reports BritPanorama.
The 52-year-old former Manchester United and Wales winger holds a record 13 Premier League titles but remains excluded from this honour despite being cleared of domestic abuse charges in 2023.
According to The Times, Giggs was initially invited alongside Alan Shearer to become the first inductees at a launch event scheduled for March 2020. The coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of that ceremony, and following his arrest on domestic abuse charges in April 2021, the league replaced him with Thierry Henry.
Giggs made his debut for United in 1991, remaining at Old Trafford for over two decades before retiring at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. His impressive trophy haul includes two Champions League triumphs and four FA Cup victories. Currently, he serves as director of football at League Two club Salford City but has expressed interest in returning to managerial duties.
His representatives reportedly engaged in discussions with the Premier League regarding his potential induction before the latest Hall of Fame announcement in November; however, he was again absent from the list of inductees.
The continued exclusion of Giggs contrasts starkly with other Hall of Fame members who have had troubled pasts. Eric Cantona, for instance, was inducted despite a conviction for assaulting a supporter, while Tony Adams received the honour having served time in prison for drink driving.
Former professionals have voiced their confusion regarding the league’s stance on Giggs. His acquittal followed his former girlfriend’s decision not to testify during a retrial, with Giggs describing himself as “deeply relieved” at the outcome. Matt Le Tissier, a former Southampton midfielder, questioned the league’s decision, stating, “Surely Ryan Giggs should’ve been one of the first names in the Premier League Hall of Fame?”
The selection process for the Hall of Fame combines public voting with a panel-chosen shortlist, culminating in a final determination by existing members. A Premier League spokesman declined to address Giggs’s exclusion directly, noting that the shortlist is reviewed annually, considering factors such as “previous shortlist voting data, eras, player positions and achievements.”
Giggs, for his part, appears unfazed by the snub, telling the Daily Mail in December, “It’s not something that I really think about. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, then I won’t lose sleep over it.”
In a realm where talent competes against narrative, the question remains not just whether Giggs deserves this recognition, but what his journey says about the evolving standards of the game. Perhaps it serves as a timely reminder that even legends must navigate the complexities of their legacies in the modern age.
