Rhodri Giggs announces engagement, 14 years after family scandal
Rhodri Giggs is preparing to walk down the aisle again, 14 years after the scandal that tore his family apart — when his brother, former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, admitted to an affair with Rhodri’s then-wife. The 49-year-old former footballer announced his engagement to Stockport-based Victoria Phillips earlier this week, marking a fresh chapter in a life once dominated by one of football’s most notorious off-field controversies, reports BritPanorama.
The couple, who have been together for just over a year, shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of Victoria’s diamond engagement ring alongside the date “18/10/2025.” Rhodri, now a podcast host and recruitment professional, added a playful caption: “Couldn’t say yes quick enough. Thank you everyone, I agree she is very lucky.”
The light-hearted post was met with an outpouring of support from friends and fans, including Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment, who commented: “Congratulations to you both.” One follower wrote: “So happy for you. The universe blessed you accordingly. Good people always end up on top.”
This announcement marks a remarkable turnaround for Rhodri, whose personal life was thrust into the spotlight in 2011 after it emerged that his brother Ryan had conducted an eight-year affair with his wife, Natasha. The revelation dominated national headlines and caused a deep rift within the Giggs family, leading to Rhodri and Natasha’s divorce.
At the time, Ryan was married to Stacey Giggs, with the pair later splitting. Rhodri, who played for Torquay United and Salford City before moving into coaching, has since rebuilt his life both personally and professionally. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about the fallout from the affair, acknowledging that while the betrayal was painful, he has moved on.
He has even joked about profiting from the media storm, revealing in a recent social media exchange that he made around £1 million from the publicity that followed. “Mate, it was over 14 years ago and I’ve got two kids with someone else and made a load of money from it,” he wrote.
Natasha, who shares two children with Rhodri, also moved on and recently married firefighter Haroon Headley. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, openly discussing the affair that had shocked the football world.
Ryan Giggs’s own career and reputation suffered lasting damage from the scandal. While many thought he was in line for a knighthood, his prospects diminished following the affair. He was also once seen as the ideal candidate to manage Manchester United, but the club opted for different names instead. Now 51, he has started a new chapter with girlfriend Zara Charles, with whom he recently welcomed a daughter, Cora.
Despite the turbulent history, Rhodri has spoken in recent years about reconciling with his brother, admitting that time has helped heal old wounds. While the two are not thought to be especially close, they have resumed some contact, and Rhodri has even stated that he “came out on top” financially from the saga.
As the wedding date approaches, the former footballer appears focused on happiness and stability. Friends say he has found “peace and humour” after years of scrutiny, choosing to look forward rather than back.
In a world where personal and professional lives can collide spectacularly, Rhodri’s journey reminds us how resilience can emerge from the most unlikely circumstances — a narrative not just of recovery, but of new beginnings.
