Sir Alex Ferguson, regarded by many as the greatest football manager of all time, once named the player he believes is the best in Premier League history.

Twenty-four former players have been inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame since its creation in 2021.

The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry were the first two players inducted, followed by Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Dennis Bergkamp, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.

Others are certainties to be inducted, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers in history, who scored 103 goals for Manchester United and won the Premier League Player of the Season award in 2007 and 2008.

Fellow shoe-ins include Mohamed Salah (193 Premier League goals) and Harry Kane (213 Premier League goals).

Ryan Giggs Still Waiting on Hall of Fame Induction

However, only players who are officially retired from professional football are eligible to be inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame.

One player conspicuous by his absence is Ryan Giggs, winner of more Premier League titles (13) than any player in history.

Only James Milner (658) and Gareth Barry (653) made more Premier League appearances than Ryan Giggs (632), who also boasts the highest number of Premier League assists (162) by a distance.

No official explanation has been given for Giggs’ continued omission, although BBC Sport noted in January 2025 that many have concluded ‘the controversy over his character lay behind his absence’.

Asked by his former Manchester United teammate whether it plays on his mind, Giggs said: “Not really. No, I mean, I don't think about it until you just brought it up. I don't think about it. I think when you start off, you don't... These are the things that you're not striving for. You're striving off to win games and try and win trophies. That's the most important thing for me.”

Ferguson Overlooked Ronaldo and Scholes When Naming Premier League's Greatest

There’s little doubt that Ferguson would have inducted Giggs into the Hall of Fame if it were down to him.

Ferguson named Giggs as one of only four genuinely world-class footballers he managed at Manchester United, and even labelled the Welshman as the best player in Premier League history back in 2009 - five years before Giggs retired aged 40.

"We have had a lot of top-class players in this league – and some have probably made more of an impact than Ryan – but nobody can boast the same sort of longevity and consistency," Ferguson said of Giggs, per The Guardian.

"He was there when the league started and he is still there now. I think you would have to say Ryan is the best."

While some lean towards the likes of Henry, Ronaldo or Shearer among the greatest Premier League players of all time, the greatest manager in Premier League history believes Giggs’ remarkable longevity and consistency puts him in pole position.