Paul Scholes – Biography, Stats, Trophies and Net Worth 2025

Paul Scholes is an English former professional footballer widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. Born on 16 November 1974 in Salford, Greater Manchester, he spent his entire senior playing career at Manchester United, making 718 appearances and collecting 25 major trophies. After retiring from playing, he moved into coaching and later became a prominent football pundit.

Who Is Paul Scholes? Biography and Background

Paul Scholes is known for his exceptional passing, vision, and long-range shooting. He came through Manchester United’s youth system as part of the “Class of ’92” and made his first-team debut during the 1994–95 season. He retired in May 2011, returned briefly in January 2012, and retired again in May 2013.

His career is defined by longevity and consistency. He played in multiple midfield roles — attacking, defensive, and wide — and was praised by peers such as Zinedine Zidane and Xavi for his technical ability. Scholes scored his 100th Premier League goal on 6 March 2010 in a 1–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

What Position Did Paul Scholes Play and What Was His Jersey Number?

Scholes played primarily as a central midfielder, but his versatility allowed him to operate in attacking, defensive, and wide midfield roles. His most common jersey number at Manchester United was 18; he wore number 8 for England. He was not a striker, though he occasionally played in a more advanced role late in his career.

How Many Goals and Trophies Did Paul Scholes Win?

Club career and statistics

Scholes made 718 senior appearances for Manchester United, scoring 153 goals across all competitions according to Transfermarkt. In the Premier League, he recorded 499 appearances and 107 goals. He also made 124 UEFA Champions League appearances, scoring 24 goals.

Major trophy haul

Scholes finished his career with 25 trophies: 11 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 2 League Cups, and a FIFA Club World Cup. He was part of Manchester United’s 1998–99 treble-winning season.

Who Is Paul Scholes’ Wife and Does He Have Children?

Marriage and family

Scholes married Claire Froggatt in February 1999. They have three children, including a daughter named Alicia Scholes. The family has largely stayed out of the public eye, though Alicia has appeared with her father at a few public events.

What Is Paul Scholes’ Net Worth and Current Career?

Net worth

No reliable public figure for Scholes’ net worth exists in official sources. Estimates from various celebrity net worth sites place it around £25–30 million, based on his playing career, endorsements, and investments. No official disclosure has been made.

Current career

After retiring from playing, Scholes worked as a coach at Manchester United. He managed Oldham Athletic briefly in 2019 and served as interim manager of Salford City in 2020. He is also a co-owner of Salford City. Since 2020, he has been a regular pundit on BT Sport, Premier League Productions, and occasionally BBC Sport.

Why Is Paul Scholes Considered One of the Best Midfielders of All Time?

Scholes was praised by peers such as Xavi, who called him “the best midfielder I’ve ever seen,” and Zinedine Zidane, who described him as “almost untouchable.” His exceptional first touch, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of a game influenced modern midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

Comparisons with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard often highlight Scholes’ superior technical ability and vision. He was not the most athletic, but his intelligence and positioning set him apart.

Timeline of Paul Scholes’ Career

1. 1974: Born in Salford, England.
2. 1993: Made senior debut for Manchester United.
3. 1994: Scored first senior goal.
4. 1997: Made England debut (24 May).
5. 1999: Won the Treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League).
6. 2000: Married Claire Froggatt.
7. 2004: Retired from international football (66 caps, 14 goals).
8. 2008: Won second Champions League (vs Chelsea).
9. 2011: Final Premier League title (12th overall).
10. 2013: Second ‘retirement’ at end of 2012–13 season.
11. 2014: Returned as coach at Manchester United.
12. 2019: Managed Oldham Athletic.
13. 2020: Interim manager of Salford City.
14. 2020–present: Regular pundit for BT Sport, Premier League Productions, and other outlets.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Paul Scholes?

Background and Meaning: Why Does Scholes Matter?

Scholes’ influence on football lies in his technical excellence. He rarely gave interviews, which added to his mystique. His playing style — crisp passing, intelligent movement, exceptional finishing from distance — set a benchmark for midfielders. He is frequently referenced in discussions about the greatest English players of all time.

Sources and Quotes

“The best midfielder of his generation – without doubt. He could do everything. He was the most intelligent player I ever played with.”

– Sir Alex Ferguson

“Paul Scholes is the best midfielder I have ever seen in my life. His passing was perfect, his vision was incredible. He is almost untouchable.”

– Zinedine Zidane

“In the last 15 to 20 years, the best midfielder – the most complete – has been Paul Scholes.”

– Xavi Hernandez

Summary

Paul Scholes remains a towering figure in English football. His career at Manchester United, his trophy haul, and his enduring punditry work keep him in the public eye. For a deeper look at other football figures, see Granit Xhaka – Biography, Religion, Wife, and Career Highlights and Pep Guardiola – Biography, Coaching Career and Family Life.

Frequently Asked Questions