Former Manchester United and Wales midfielder Ryan Giggs has appeared in a promotional video for an Asian betting company, marking International Women's Day. The 52-year-old, who serves as a brand ambassador for the gambling site F168, shared the video on his Instagram page this Sunday.
Giggs' Women's Day Message and Promotion
In the video, Giggs delivers a message celebrating women's achievements, stating, 'Today we celebrate the strength, beauty and achievements of women everywhere.' He adds, 'To all the amazing women in our community, keep shining and inspiring us all.' The ex-footballer concludes by encouraging viewers to engage with the betting platform, saying, 'Don't forget to have some fun and games at F168.'
His Instagram post was accompanied by a caption that read: 'Happy Women’s Day! I’m Ryan Giggs, Brand Ambassador of F168. Wishing all women confidence, beauty, and positive energy today and always. Celebrate this special day with F168 and make it truly memorable!'
Background on Giggs' Controversies and Career Struggles
A key player in Manchester United's historic 1999 Treble-winning squad, Giggs has faced significant challenges in rebuilding his football career following allegations of domestic abuse. The accusations involved assault and controlling or coercive behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville and her sister Emma.
These charges were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2020, and a planned retrial was abandoned three years later after prosecutors pulled out, with Greville declining to give evidence. Giggs has consistently denied all allegations, expressing 'deep relief' at the time, but the controversy has hampered his public standing.
Impact on Hall of Fame and Management Roles
Reports in January indicated that the Premier League shelved plans to induct Giggs into their Hall of Fame while he faced the domestic abuse charges. Originally intended as an inaugural member alongside Alan Shearer when the Hall launched, Giggs was 'quietly withdrawn' and has not been recognised despite being cleared in 2023.
Giggs, Manchester United's record appearance holder, most recently worked as director of football at League Two club Salford City. However, he reportedly stepped back from day-to-day duties at the start of the season to pursue a return to full-time management. He has not held a head coach role since managing Wales from 2018 to 2022, following an interim stint at Manchester United in 2014.
Personal Life and Past Scandals
Giggs' personal life has also drawn media attention. During his playing career, it was reported he had an affair with his brother Rhodri's ex-wife Natasha, beginning in 2003, which led to their divorce. Rhodri, a former semi-professional footballer now in recruitment, is set to remarry after getting engaged to Victoria Phillips last October.
Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs remains in a relationship with lingerie model Zara Charles, 37. The couple met in 2021 and welcomed their first child, Cora, in November 2024.
