RYAN Giggs is set to become a dad for the third time aged 50.

The Manchester United legend and girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, are expecting a baby later this year.

Ryan Giggs, 50, is expecting a baby later this year with girlfriend Zara Charles, 36

The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011Credit: Reuters

Stacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessingCredit: The Picture Library Ltd

Giggs, who has two kids from a previous marriage, and mum-of-one Zara are said to be “delighted”.

Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival later this year.

Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.

Lingerie model Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.

The delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.

A source said: “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.

“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.

“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”

A separate source said Stacey — who divorced Giggs in 2017 after ten years of marriage — has also given her blessing.

‘Blended family’

She, Giggs and Zara spent Christmas together in December 2022 as a “blended family”, a source confirmed.

They added: “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.”

In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara, who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.

She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan.

“So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”

Zara and Ryan are said to be ‘delighted’ at the news, the pair pictured this monthCredit: BackGrid

Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrivalCredit: BackGrid

Stacey approves of Zara

Source

The couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.

Zara supported him through his assault trial after he was charged with attacking his ex-lover Kate Greville and her sister Emma during a drunken row at his home in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, in November 2020.

He was also charged with controlling coercive behaviour towards PR executive Kate during their three-year relationship.

During the trial, the jury was told how Kate had accused Giggs of cheating on her with several women, including Zara.

In a goodbye letter Kate penned to Giggs, she wrote: “You and Zara were also in a full-on relationship for a year.

“I could go on but I think that’s enough. You got your guy from Harrods to send her shoes, bags, and dresses.”

A jury failed to reach a verdict in August 2022 and Giggs — who always denied any wrongdoing — made a point of publicly thanking “my girlfriend Zara” for support.

He faced a retrial but in 2023 the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew all charges after Kate said she did not want to give evidence, citing the toll the first trial had taken on her mental health.

Judge Hilary Manley then told Manchester crown court: “I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of each of the three counts.”

Giggs’s lawyer Chris Daw said at the time: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name.

“He’s now been found not guilty of all the charges and going forward would like to rebuild his life and career as an innocent man.”

Giggs stepped down from his job as Wales national team manager in June 2022 ahead of the first trial. He has since been trying to rebuild his life out of the spotlight.

Last month it emerged he was working again as Salford City’s director of football.

Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prospect of becoming parents again

Source

Flying winger Giggs joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.

He made 963 appearances and managed the club for four games at the end of the 2014 season after David Moyes was sacked.

He then worked as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before leaving when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.

He won 64 Wales caps and was appointed national team boss in January 2018.

Current boss Rob Page was appointed in his place in 2022.

Giggs and his girlfriend live in a £2.1million mansion which he bought last yearCredit: Getty – Contributor

The football legend outside Manchester Crown Court during his trialCredit: PA