MANCHESTER, England: Few matches will have been more painful for Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs than his 1,000th as a pro on Tuesday.
After being selected to start against Real Madrid to reach the milestone, the 39-year-old Giggs turned in an impressive, age-defying display before seeing his team crumble in the second half and exit the Champions League.
Giggs had been at the heart of United’s attacking impetus in the first half, bursting across the pitch and delivering balls with precision to setup goal-scoring opportunities.
But after United did finally go in front — through Sergio Ramos’ own goal at the start of the second half — the buoyant mood was quickly deflated inside Old Trafford.
A red card for Nani for a studs-up, flying challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa, saw United reduced to ten men in the 56th minute.
Ten minutes later, Madrid was level through Luka Modric’s curling strike off the post. And Cristiano Ronaldo netted inside three minutes to shatter the European dreams of his former club by sending Madrid through with a 2-1 second-leg win after drawing 1-1 at home.
At the final whistle, as the United fans jeered the referee who sent off Nani, even the usually placid Giggs was pointing in anger at Cuneyt Caki.
Now Giggs’ hopes of adding to his two Champions League successes will have to wait another season.
Like the rest of his team, Giggs was prevented from speaking to the media after the match, with assistant manager Mike Phelan issuing the only public reaction to a night that enraged the hosts.
Phelan said Giggs’ landmark match and a “great performance was marred by one decision” by the referee.
“The players sensed they were in control and then it drifted away,” Phelan said.
Now the focus shifts to advancing in the FA Cup by beating Chelsea on Sunday.
And Giggs seems certain to collect a 13th Premier League winners’ medal this season, with United currently 12 points ahead in title race.
Tuesday’s match was Giggs’ 932nd match for United, where he has spent his entire career since making his debut in 1991. Giggs has also played 64 times for Wales and made four appearances for Britain at last year’s London Olympics.
Giggs’ 1,000th match is 1 to forget for United
Giggs’ 1,000th match is 1 to forget for United
LIV Golf announces return to Korea in 2026
- Home favorites Korean Golf Club lead the field as Bryson DeChambeau and his Crushers GC team return to defend their LIV Golf Korea individual and team titles
BUSAN: LIV Golf today confirmed its return to Korea in 2026, with LIV Golf Korea set to be played at Asiad Country Club in Busan from May 28-31, 2026.
Marking a new chapter for the league in Asia, the 2026 event will introduce Asiad Country Club to the LIV Golf calendar in a multi-year agreement with the venue. Located in Korea’s second-largest city, the course has previously hosted international tournaments, including the BMW Ladies Championship and the 2002 Asian Games, and is regarded as one of the country’s finest championship venues.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV Golf, said, “Bringing LIV Golf back to Korea, and to Busan for the first time, is an important next step for the league and for our fans here. The appetite for LIV Golf continues to grow, and Asiad Country Club and the city of Busan give us a venue that meets our ambitions for the event, both competitively and culturally in Korea. We’re excited to build on the momentum from our debut last season and deliver another memorable week for Korean fans.”
Fans can join the waitlist now at LIVGolf.com to secure tickets for LIV Golf Korea 2026, with hospitality and grounds pass details to be announced soon. Fans are encouraged to join the waitlist early, with limited inventory available. Premium hospitality and corporate experiences will be available for purchase, alongside specialty-priced group tickets for parties of 10 or more. Children aged 12 and under will receive complimentary Grounds Pass admission (one per paying adult).
LIV Golf made its debut in Korea in 2025, where Bryson DeChambeau claimed the individual title and led his Crushers GC to a team victory, completing a memorable double sweep. DeChambeau will return in 2026 to defend his title against a world-class field featuring many of the biggest names in the game, including former Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim, who recently beat DeChambeau and Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm in dramatic fashion to claim the LIV Golf Adelaide individual title, his first professional win in nearly 16 years.
Home attention will center on Korean Golf Club, featuring an all-Korean lineup led by captain Byeong Hun An alongside Minkyu Kim, Younghan Song and Danny Lee. Formed in 2026, the team has already found momentum both on and off the course, securing domestic partners including HANWHA PLUS and apparel partner AMAZINGCRE. Backed by strong local support, Korean Golf Club brings its own distinct brand of K-golf to the LIV Golf league, reflecting the culture, energy and growing influence of the game in Korea around the world.
An, captain of Korean Golf Club, said: “Playing LIV Golf in Korea means a great deal to all of us. Competing at home, in front of Korean fans, brings a different level of pride. As a team, we’re excited to represent Korean golf on this stage and around the world, and we’re excited to show the energy, passion and competitiveness that define the way Korean Golf Club plays the game.”
A city known for its vibrant culture, energy, and iconic coastline, Busan will host LIV Golf for the first time, again expanding the league’s reach through its 14-event calendar taking place across 10 countries and five continents.
Park Heong-joon, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “We are proud to welcome the LIV Golf League back to Korea and to host the event in Busan for the first time this May. Bringing a global sporting event of this scale to our city reflects Busan’s growing role as an international destination for sport, culture and tourism. We look forward to welcoming players, fans and visitors from around the world and showcasing the hospitality of Busan.”
As with last year’s event, which featured headline music acts including G-Dragon and IVE, the LIV Golf Korea experience will extend beyond the course, combining world-class competition with live music and unrivalled off-course entertainment. Details of the full concert and entertainment program will be announced soon.
The announcement of LIV Golf Korea 2026 marks the final event to be unveiled for LIV Golf’s 2026 season. The global golf league will host 14 events across 10 countries and five continents during the 2026 season, including its first-ever event in South Africa (March 19–22), alongside stops in Saudi Arabia, Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, Spain, the US, and the UK.
Notably, LIV Golf has already broken attendance records at LIV Golf Adelaide 2026, drawing more than 115,000 fans across the four-day tournament, including a single-day crowd exceeding 38,500 spectators, both new highs for the league and for professional golf events in Australia.
