Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes, one of the greatest midfielders, won 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United and was highly regarded by his peers.
Soccer Player
November 16, 1974
Scorpio
50
Salford, England
Paul Scholes, a retired English footballer, is renowned for his exceptional passing skills, intelligent playmaking, and striking range. He spent his entire career at Manchester United, where he is considered one of the greatest midfielders in English football history. Scholes played a crucial role in securing numerous domestic and international titles for the club, including the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup. Following his football career, he has also served as a pundit and football analyst for various media outlets.
An interesting fact about Scholes is that he was once sent off within five minutes of coming on as a substitute during a UEFA Super Cup match against Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2008. Despite being brought on in the 77th minute, he received a red card just five minutes later for a studs-up challenge while Manchester United was trailing 2-1.
Scholes’ accomplishments and influence on the game have been widely acknowledged. He was included in the Premier League 10 Seasons Awards Domestic & Overall Team of the Decade and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His talent and contributions to Manchester United’s success earned him high praise from teammates, with Phil Neville describing him as “an amazingly gifted player who remained an unaffected human being.” Thierry Henry even referred to Scholes as the greatest player in Premier League history.
Throughout his career, Scholes secured 12 Premier League titles with Manchester United and was an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary team. He scored a total of 166 goals in 777 games and won 27 trophies. Despite these impressive achievements, Scholes never received a single vote for the Ballon d’Or, leading some to view him as one of the most underrated players of his era.
In summary, Paul Scholes’ legacy as a footballer and his significant impact on Manchester United’s success solidify his status as one of the most celebrated midfielders in English football history. His peers have consistently ranked him as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, and he played a pivotal role in helping Manchester United secure 11 Premier League titles across three decades.