5 legendary footballers who ruined their legacy

#3 Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs (centre) appeared on court on assault charges

A graduate of the esteemed Class of '92, Ryan Giggs is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Manchester United and British football history. However, Giggs reportedly assaulted two women, which will forever stain his legacy.

The 47-year-old was charged with causing bodily harm to a woman in her 30s and common assault to a woman in her 20s. The incident took place in Salsburg on November 2020. Giggs is also charged with one count of coercive or controlling behaviour.

In a recent statement, Giggs said:

“I have full respect for the due process of law, and understand the seriousness of the allegations. I look forward to clearing my name.”

The Welshman is one of the most decorated footballers in Premier League history. He donned the reds of Manchester United throughout his 24-year career. He joined the club's youth system in 1987, making the move from the blue side of Manchester. Giggs notched up a whopping tally of 963 appearances for The Red Devils.

In 632 Premier League appearances for his boyhood club, Giggs was directly involved in 271 goals (109 goals, 162 assists). He was appointed OBE in 2007. After recent events, though, the Welshman's legacy has been tainted.

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#2 Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio has donned the colours of some of the biggest names in Italian football, including Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Lazio.

The -53-year old also represented West Ham, Charlton Athletic, Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday during his eight-year spell in the UK. Di Canio would most famously lift the Serie A title with AC Milan in 1995-96, acquiring cult status. According to reports, Sir Alex Ferguson was very keen on the Italian's signature.

However, his off-field activities have ruined his legacy and reputation. A self-proclaimed 'fascist', Di Canio was suspended from Sky Italia for displaying a tattoo on his right bicep that said 'Dux'. Dux is the name by which Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was known by.

During his two-year spell at Lazio, Di Canio performed a Nazi salute along with Biancocelesti's right-wing ultras. He joined them for their infamous Roman salute by raising his right arm.

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#1 Michel Platini

Former UEFA president Michel Platini

Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini is undoubtedly one of the greatest footballers in the history of the beautiful sport. The Frenchman is one of the most decorated footballers in the game. He has won almost every trophy he competed for with country and club.

Platini won the 1984-85 European Champions Clubs Cup with Juventus. and also won two Serie A titles with the Bianconeri. Along with three successive Ballon d'Or awards between 1983 and 1985, Platini also won the European Championship with France in 1984.

After hanging up his boots in 1987, he went on to take over the reins as manager of the French national team. Platini then joined FIFA as an advisor in 1998. He was elevated to the status of board member four years later before becoming the vice-president in 2007. The Frenchman was elected to the office of the president of UEFA in 2007.

Platini gained infamy over corruption charges levelled against him during his stints with FIFA and UEFA. He was handed an eight-year ban from all footballing activities, and was one of the main accused along with Sepp Blatter.

In their findings, the ethics committee said:

“Platini lacked respect for the laws and regulations of the organisation.”

The 66-year old was also involved in Greece's football scandal, and was named in the Panama Papers.