Rhodri Giggs has made a surprising public defence of his brother, Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs, following the latter's notable omission from the Premier League's Hall of Fame shortlist. This show of support comes despite the brothers' fractured relationship, which was famously severed by Ryan's eight-year affair with Rhodri's then-wife, Natasha.
A Controversial Snub
In September of this year, the Premier League announced a 15-strong shortlist for its Hall of Fame, which eventually saw Gary Neville and Eden Hazard inducted. Conspicuous by his absence was Ryan Giggs, a one-club man who holds the record for 13 Premier League titles and is the competition's all-time assist leader. Rhodri Giggs took to social media to voice his disapproval of the decision, sharing a highlights reel of his brother's career and branding the institution "#TheShamHallOfFame."
The snub is particularly glaring given the number of Giggs' former teammates who have been recognised. Legends like David Beckham, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes are all members, alongside their manager Sir Alex Ferguson. This year's shortlist also featured several other former United stars, including Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, and Michael Carrick.
A Complicated Family History
The public backing from Rhodri is significant given their deeply personal history. The rift between the brothers originated from Ryan's lengthy affair with Rhodri's wife, which ultimately ended their marriage and irrevocably damaged the family dynamic. This personal scandal is widely believed to be a key reason behind the Premier League's continued reluctance to honour Ryan Giggs, whose reputation has been further impacted by other off-field issues.
These include his 2022 arrest on suspicion of assault, which led to him stepping down as Wales manager. Although all charges were eventually dropped in 2023 after his former partner withdrew from the trial, the damage to his public image was done. More recently, Giggs left his role as director of football at Salford City in September, with reported ambitions to return to management.
Moving On and Cashing In
Despite the profound betrayal, Rhodri has stated he holds no lasting grudge and has even profited from the notoriety. When a social media user referenced the past affair, Rhodri responded candidly. He remarked that the event was "over 14 years ago" and that he has since moved on, having two children with another partner.
Most strikingly, he revealed the financial upside, commenting, "I made about £1million from it." He added with a sense of defiance, "I buzz off it... All part of the fun," indicating a pragmatic and surprisingly positive outlook on a chapter that would have broken many families.
Ryan Giggs' footballing credentials are beyond dispute. Over a remarkable 24-year career at Manchester United, he made 963 appearances, scoring 168 goals. His trophy cabinet boasts 13 league titles, four FA Cups, and two Champions League trophies, cementing his status as one of the game's true greats. The debate over whether his on-pitch achievements should be celebrated independently of his personal life continues, but his brother Rhodri has now made his own position on the matter perfectly clear.
