Why Is Ryan Giggs Missing from the Premier League Hall of Fame While John Terry and Eric Cantona Are Inducted?

This Premier League Hall of Fame certainly has its share of chaos, doesn’t it?

On this occasion, just two players will be inducted from a pool of 15 nominees to join the existing group of 22.

1

My main concern is that the selection process relies on public voting. It’s something I find quite puzzling. This Hall of Fame should operate similarly to its NFL equivalent, where the procedure is far more streamlined.

They utilize a committee of 50, consisting of media professionals and experts, to manage the selection. Why can’t we adopt a comparable framework?

Picture iconic figures like Sir Alex Ferguson, Alan Shearer, and Thierry Henry providing their invaluable insights.

They wouldn’t simply advocate for their friends; they would assess based on real criteria and ask, ‘Have they genuinely earned their spot among us?’

This should be an assembly of legends making the choices—an elite circle fully aware of the standards for entering the Hall of Fame.

Currently, it seems like anyone can be nominated, with voters often opting for their favorites or players from clubs they support.

There’s bound to be an influx of Manchester United players in any voting scenario due to their extensive global fanbase.

The same goes for Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City, whose prominence might eclipse those who are more deserving. This could risk undermining the Hall’s integrity.

BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS

This should be a moment to shine a light on the immense talent within our league, rather than catering to top clubs and allowing biased voters to make their choices.

Some nominations and exclusions puzzle me as well. While I support the inclusion of players like Shearer, Henry, David Beckham, and Wayne Rooney,

Watch Cristiano Ronaldo play ‘pick the better player’ out of stars including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Mbappe

Yet Ryan Giggs remains unrecognized—I suspect it’s tied to off-field controversies.

Two years ago, he was exonerated on charges related to an incident with his ex-girlfriend and her sister after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case.

Meanwhile, Eric Cantona was among the very first nominees for induction. Really?

With just 156 Premier League appearances and a notorious incident where he kicked a fan, Cantona tarnished his legacy. He served a two-week prison term that was overturned on appeal and completed 120 hours of community service.

Additionally, he encountered an eight-month suspension and a £20,000 fine from the FA. Yet he gains entry solely based on his array of Premier League titles?

John Terry, despite his own controversies, has also made the list. He received a four-match ban and a £220,000 fine from the FA for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand—even though he was acquitted in a court of law.

In contrast, Giggs recorded 632 appearances for United with 109 goals, 162 assists, and an impeccable record of 13 Premier League titles, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most decorated players.

Current nominees include figures like Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Vidic, and Eden Hazard. How can they be compared to Gary Neville, who is also nominated?

It’s mind-boggling that Neville hasn’t already been inducted. He is among the most decorated right-backs in history. This Hall of Fame risks succumbing to recency bias.

Players like Teddy Sheringham are often remembered solely for the 1999 Treble at United. Other nominees like Les Ferdinand may be overlooked because of the clubs they played for rather than their individual accomplishments and impact. It’s outrageous.

Sergio Aguero was remarkable for Manchester City, but should he receive inclusion before players who have achieved more in the Premier League?

He’s a personal friend of mine, yet players like Jermain Defoe have not been recognized and likely won’t be for years. His stints at Spurs and West Ham might deprive him of enough online votes. That’s just absurd.

Gianfranco Zola—who is a cult favorite and an exceptional player—might get acknowledged before him purely because he played for Chelsea, a club with larger appeal.

Why haven’t earlier legends been enshrined? I’m showing my age, but figures like David Ginola, a true Premier League icon for Tottenham, Everton, and Newcastle, deserve recognition.

And who can forget Brian Deane, who scored the very first goal in the Premier League back in 1992? It’s about time we honor those who helped shape this league into what it is today.