Born in Cardiff in 1973, Ryan Giggs established himself as one of the most decorated figures in professional football by spending 23 seasons in the Manchester United first team. He is among the elite group of 63 players to have exceeded 1,000 career appearances, defining his professional career primarily as a left midfielder and winger.
Early Development and Youth Career
Born to Danny Wilson and Lynne Giggs, he spent his childhood in Cardiff before relocating to Swinton at age six. He began his footballing path with Deans FC and the Manchester City School of Excellence. After a performance at The Cliff, he signed with Manchester United on his 14th birthday in 1987. During his youth, he also captained the England schoolboy team at Wembley Stadium in 1989 while known as Ryan Wilson.
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After turning professional in December 1990, Giggs made his league debut against Everton on 2 March 1991. Over the following two decades, he secured 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. He holds the club record for competitive appearances with 963.
International Representation and Management
Giggs earned 64 caps for the Wales national team between 1991 and 2007. He later captained the Great Britain team at the 2012 Summer Olympics. In January 2018, he assumed the role of manager for the Wales national team, guiding the squad to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020. He eventually resigned from this position in June 2022.
Professional Honours and Distinctions
His individual achievements include receiving the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2009 and being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2007. He holds the record for most assists in Premier League history with 162. Furthermore, he was the first player to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards in 1992 and 1993.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Cardiff
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
- Education: Moorside High School
- Professional Debut: 1991
- Premier League Titles: 13
- International Caps: 64
- OBE Appointment: 2007
- UNICEF Role: Goodwill Ambassador
Questions readers ask
Did Ryan Giggs play for any club other than Manchester United?
What major individual award did he receive in 2009?
He was awarded the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and the PFA Player of the Year award in 2009.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics