By Chrysanthus Ikeh
Ryan Joseph Giggs born Ryan Joseph Wilson is a Welsh football coach and former player who is currently the assistant manager at Manchester United.
The left winger, known for his tireless running and ball possession, made his first appearance for the club in 1990. In over 20 years on the pitch, he was never sent off in his playing career for Manchester United. However, he was once sent off while playing for his country side, Wales, in a World Cup qualifier against Norway in 2001.
Giggs, who announced his retirement from playing on Monday, May 19, 2014 after being appointed as the assistant coach to Louis Van Gaal, was formerly Manchester United’s interim player manager following the sacking of David Moyes.
He won thirteen Premier League winner’s medals, four FA Cup winner’s medals, three League Cup winner’s medals and two Champions League winner’s medals. He has two runner-up medals from the Champions League, three FA Cup finals and two League Cup finals.
Giggs’ individual awards include:
PFA Young Player of the Year (2): 1991–92, 1992–93
PFA Team of the Year (6): 1992–93, 1997–98, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2006–07, 2008–09
PFA Team of the Century (1): 1997–2007[98]
PFA Players’ Player of the Year (1): 2008–09
FWA Tribute Award: 2007
Bravo Award (1): 1993
BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1): 2009
BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year (2): 1996, 2009
GQ Sportsman of the Year (1): 2010[99]
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year (1): 1997–98
Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year (2): 1990–91, 1991–92
Premier League 10 Seasons Awards (1992–93 to 2001–02): Overall Team of the Decade
Premier League 20 Seasons Awards (1992–93 to 2011–12): Most Player Appearances (596)
UEFA Champions League 10 Seasons Dream Team (1992 to 2002): 2002
Wales Player of the Year Award (2): 1996, 2006
Premier League Player of the Month (3): September 1993, August 2006, February 2007
Goal of the Season (1): 1998–99
Golden Foot: 2011
English Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2005
