Ryan Giggs could have been leading Wales at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the former Manchester United star has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping down as Wales head coach in 2022 amid domestic abuse allegations. Instead, he now lives a quiet life with his partner Zara Charles, a lingerie model 14 years his junior, in a £2.1 million seven-bedroom home in Greater Manchester.
Domestic Abuse Case and Aftermath
Giggs, 52, was first arrested in November 2020 on suspicion of assault. He stood trial, but jurors failed to reach majority verdicts on charges that he had assaulted his former partner Kate Greville and her sister Emma. The jury also failed to reach a majority verdict on a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour over a three-year period. Throughout the case, text messages were read in court, and Giggs admitted to infidelity in all previous relationships.
A retrial was abandoned in 2023 when the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges after Greville said she felt "worn down" by the proceedings and could not face giving evidence again. Giggs has maintained a low profile ever since.
New Family and Home Life
At age 50, Giggs and Charles welcomed a daughter, Cora, on November 1, 2024. A representative said: "Ryan and his partner Zara are delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Cora Giggs... They extend their warmest gratitude to all the amazing staff, especially the midwives, at Wythenshawe Hospital." Cora is Giggs' third child; he also has Zach, 19, and Libby, 23, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.
Charles, a lingerie model, moved into Giggs' home after they began dating shortly after the Covid pandemic. The couple regularly posts loving pictures on Instagram and recently enjoyed a romantic holiday to Barbados.
Football Career and Potential Return
Giggs' only active football involvement recently was as director of football at Salford City, the League Two club he co-owned with his Class of '92 colleagues before a takeover in May 2025. He stepped down from that role several months ago amid reports of a potential return to management. He said: "I loved managing Wales, obviously. I do miss it, so hopefully."
On Rio Ferdinand's podcast, Giggs revealed he broke down watching Wales compete at the Euros from home: "It was heartbreaking... I'm jumping around the front room, and then all of a sudden, I look at the TV, and it's all the staff and players jumping in the dugout, and I'm gone. Sat down and gone."
Son Zach's Football Promise
Giggs' son Zach is a talented footballer who plays for Wales U-19s. The 19-year-old left-back, who can also play on the right or in central defence, joined Sheffield United in 2023 after leaving Manchester United's academy. He is also eligible to represent England but has progressed through Wales' age groups, previously featuring for the under-17s.
