Ex-Manchester United star Ryan Giggs, 50, 'to become dad for third time with model girlfriend'

It will be his first child with lingerie model Zara Charles, who he has been in a relationship with since 2021
Ryan Giggs pictured last May
Getty Images
Lisa McLoughlin 26 April 2024
The Weekender

Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and theatre ticket deals

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs is reportedly expecting a child with his girlfriend Zara Charles.

The 50-year-old, who has been in a relationship with the lingerie model since 2021, is said to be looking forward to welcoming his third child, first with Charles, later this year.

Giggs already has two children, Zach, 17, a midfielder for Sheffield United, and daughter Libby, 19, from his previous marriage to Stacey Cooke.

The former Welsh footballer, who faced controversy due to an affair with his brother's wife during his marriage, finalised their divorce in 2017.

Giggs and Charles, who has a daughter from a previous marriage, are said to be “thrilled” and have told their family about the news.

A source told The Sun: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.

Giggs pictured with girlfriend Zara Charles last May
PA

“They’re happy because they know he’s happy. But they’ve joked that he might struggle with the early mornings and lack of sleep.

“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again. They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.

“Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”

The Standard has contacted Ryan Giggs’ rep for comment.

Charles began dating the former Wales manager in 2021 prior to his assault trial in 2022.

Giggs denied allegations of controlling or coercive behavior towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville over a span of three years.

He also pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting Ms. Greville and her sister, Emma, during a dispute at his residence in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.

After a four-week trial, the jury was unable to reach a verdict and the case was dismissed in August 2022.

A retrial was scheduled to begin last July, but was abandoned after charges were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service.