Paul Scholes – The Midfield Genius

Paul Scholes, born on November 16, 1974, in Salford, England, is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. Known for his incredible passing, vision, and long-range shooting, Scholes was the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield for over two decades. His football intelligence and technical brilliance made him one of the most respected players in the game.

Early Life and Career

Scholes was part of Manchester United’s famous “Class of ‘92”, alongside David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, and the Neville brothers. He made his first-team debut in 1994 and quickly established himself as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted players.

Manchester United – The Silent Maestro

Scholes spent his entire club career at Manchester United (1993–2013), winning numerous trophies and defining the deep-lying playmaker role.

With Manchester United, he won:
🏆 11 Premier League titles (1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13)
🏆 3 FA Cups (1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04)
🏆 2 UEFA Champions League titles (1998–99, 2007–08)
🏆 2 League Cups (2008–09, 2009–10)
🏆 5 FA Community Shields
🏆 1 FIFA Club World Cup (2008)

His goal against Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-final helped United reach the final, where they won against Chelsea.

Scholes retired in 2011, only to return in 2012 to help United win their 20th league title in 2012–13 before retiring for good.

England National Team – The Underrated Star

Scholes earned 66 caps for England (1997–2004), but his international career was cut short as he was often played out of position.

🏆 Helped England reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2000 and 2004
⚽ Scored a memorable hat-trick against Poland in 1999

Many believe England’s failure to build around Scholes cost them success on the international stage.

Playing Style and Legacy

✅ One of the best passers in football history – Could switch play effortlessly.
✅ Master of long-range shooting – Scored some of the best volleys ever.
✅ Incredibly intelligent player – Always two steps ahead.
✅ A complete midfielder – Combined vision, composure, and defensive work.

Scholes was admired by football legends like Xavi, Zinedine Zidane, and Andrea Pirlo, with many calling him one of the best midfielders ever.

Later Career and Retirement

• Became a football pundit, known for his honest and direct opinions.
• Briefly coached Manchester United’s youth team and worked with Salford City FC.

Teams Played For

• Manchester United (1993–2013)

Legacy

✅ One of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players
✅ Two-time Champions League winner
✅ A player admired by legends of the game
✅ A symbol of loyalty, intelligence, and excellence

Paul Scholes was not just a midfielder—he was a footballing genius, a silent maestro who let his feet do the talking. His impact on Manchester United and world football will be remembered forever.