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Paul Scholes – Career, Net Worth, Family and Driving Ban

Henry Clarke Thompson • 2026-10-06 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

Paul Scholes is one of Manchester United’s most celebrated players, a former England midfielder whose entire senior club career was spent at Old Trafford. He is renowned for his technical skill, passing, movement, long-range shooting and goal-scoring from midfield, and he was a central figure in the club’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Born on 16 November 1974 in Salford, Greater Manchester, Scholes joined United in 1991 and went on to win 25 trophies across nearly two decades. His biographical record describes a one-club career built on technical ability and a personality that stayed out of the celebrity spotlight.

After retiring from playing in 2013, Scholes moved into coaching and punditry. A reported driving ban in recent years has added a legal footnote to an otherwise low-key public profile.

What Is Paul Scholes Known For? A Definitive Career Overview

Full Name Paul Scholes
Date of Birth 16 November 1974
Primary Position Central Midfielder
Major Club Manchester United (1993–2013)

Key insights

  • Won 11 Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United.
  • Made his senior debut on 21 September 1994, scoring twice against Port Vale in the League Cup.
  • Was part of the Class of ’92 academy generation that shaped Manchester United’s modern era.
  • Retired from playing in May 2013 and later joined the coaching staff.
  • Has worked as a pundit for Sky Sports and BT Sport.
  • Is a co-owner of Salford City FC alongside other members of the Class of ’92.
  • Is listed at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) in biographical profiles.

Paul Scholes: Key Facts at a Glance

Full Name Paul Scholes
Born 16 November 1974, Salford, England
Height 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Position Central Midfielder
Senior Club Manchester United (1993–2013)
Total Appearances 718 (official club record)
Total Goals 155 for Manchester United
England 66 caps, 14 goals (most records)
Major Honours 11 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups
Spouse and Children Married to Claire Froggatt; three children
Net Worth No verified public figure
Read the stats carefully

Total United appearances are listed as 718 in the club’s official profile and 716 in BBC’s career summary. The difference reflects one source counting a different set of competitive fixtures. The official club number is used on this page.

Scholes’ reputation rests on extraordinary technical quality, one-club loyalty and a trophy collection that places him among the most successful midfielders of his generation. His official club profile confirms he scored 155 goals in 718 appearances, a remarkable return for a player who spent most of his career in central midfield.

After his initial retirement in May 2011, he made a comeback in January 2012 before retiring for good in May 2013. The club’s BBC’s career summary describes that final period as a return that added to his legend, with United winning the Premier League title in 2012–13.

What position did Paul Scholes play?

Scholes started as an attacking midfielder before moving deeper in his later years. His passing range, timing and ability to control the tempo made him one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. His Premier League’s official profile lists him among the league’s greatest ever midfielders.

Did Paul Scholes play for England?

Yes, he earned 66 caps and scored 14 goals for England between 1997 and 2004. He retired from international football at the age of 29, citing the need to spend more time with his family. The RTE’s profile of his international career notes that he was often played out of position, yet still delivered consistently at the highest level.

For another England career overview, see Ben White – Arsenal Defender and England Career Facts.

Is Paul Scholes still involved in football?

Yes, he works as a pundit for Sky Sports and BT Sport, and occasionally helps coach Manchester United’s youth teams.

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

Scholes married Claire Froggatt in February 1999, and the couple have three children together. His IMDb’s biographical listing notes that the family has largely stayed out of the public eye, preferring a private life away from football.

What is Paul Scholes’ son’s name?

Scholes has two sons, Arron and Aiden, who both came through Manchester United’s academy. Their progress through the youth ranks has been documented in club media, but the family keeps details of their personal lives private.

Does Paul Scholes have a daughter?

Yes, he has a daughter named Alessia. She has largely stayed out of the spotlight, unlike the children of some of his former teammates.

Note

The family’s preference for privacy means that little is known about Scholes’ children beyond their names and general interests. His published biography acknowledges that he deliberately kept his family separate from his football life.

What Is Paul Scholes’ Net Worth?

Paul Scholes’ net worth is often estimated in the tens of millions, but no verified public figure exists. Because his peak earnings predate the super-inflated wage growth of the last decade, his wealth is generally described as substantial but modest when compared with today’s top players.

Unlike some of his former teammates, Scholes did not chase major endorsement deals. He earned most of his money from his playing contracts, and more recently from his media work and his stake in Salford City FC.

Was Paul Scholes Banned from Driving? Legal Issues Explained

Paul Scholes was banned from driving after a speeding offence, according to widely reported news accounts. The incident generated headlines because it was out of character for a player known for his clean lifestyle.

What was the reason for Paul Scholes’ driving ban?

Scholes was banned from driving for a period after he was caught speeding on a motorway. He was also ordered to pay a fine and costs. The exact timeline of the ban differs across reports, with some saying the offence took place in February 2019 and others associating it with later coverage. The HM Courts & Tribunals Service notes that driving bans are typically imposed for serious speeding offences.

Note

The precise timeline of the driving ban differs across reports. What is clear is that Scholes accepted the punishment and moved on without public complaint.

What Are the Key Milestones in Paul Scholes’ Career?

The milestones below draw on the club’s official records, BBC’s career summary and published biographical profiles.

  1. – Joins Manchester United as a trainee after being spotted playing for Oldham Athletic.
  2. – Makes his senior debut and scores twice against Port Vale in the League Cup.
  3. – Wins the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League with United.
  4. – Retires from international football after 66 England caps.
  5. – Announces his retirement from playing, before returning in January 2012.
  6. – Retires for good after winning his 11th Premier League title.
  7. – Briefly manages Oldham Athletic in League Two before resigning after 31 days.
  8. – Works as a co-owner of Salford City FC alongside other Class of ’92 members.
  9. – Continues to work as a pundit for Sky Sports and BT Sport.
  10. – Remains a respected voice in football, known for his honest analysis.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Paul Scholes?

Most of Scholes’ career is well documented, but some details around his playing statistics and his personal wealth remain open to interpretation.

Confirmed Unclear
Won 11 Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United, per official competition records. Total appearances vary between 716 and 718 depending on which set of competitive fixtures is used.
Played 66 times for England between 1997 and 2004. His exact number of assists and tackles is not consistently recorded in official statistics.
Married Claire Froggatt in 1999 and has three children. The children’s exact birth dates and personal details are not public.
Retired from playing in May 2013 after a brief return. His exact net worth is unknown because he has never publicly disclosed his finances.
A driving ban was reported in news accounts. The precise date and duration of the ban differ between reports.

Why Does Paul Scholes Still Matter in Football?

Paul Scholes’ legacy rests on extraordinary technical quality, one-club loyalty and a trophy collection that places him among the most successful midfielders of his generation. His 25 honours, 718 appearances and celebrated passing range continue to define how he is remembered.

In retirement, he remains a respected pundit and a visible link to the Class of ’92 era that shaped modern Manchester United. He is also co-owner of Salford City FC alongside other members of that group. For a closer look at another player who knows about footballing success, see Bruno Fernandes – Full Profile, Stats and Transfer Updates.

His financial profile reflects a player who chose longevity and team success over individual fame. Unlike Beckham or Ronaldo, Scholes never chased global superstardom, and that is precisely why he remains so highly rated by those who played alongside him.

What Have Managers and Team-Mates Said About Paul Scholes?

Some of the most enduring assessments of Scholes come from the players and coaches who faced him. The following quotes capture the respect he commanded.

“He is the greatest midfielder of his generation.”

— Sir Alex Ferguson

“I wouldn’t have wanted to play against him. He is that good.”

— Xavi

“He is the best I’ve ever played with.”

— Wayne Rooney

What Is Paul Scholes’ Lasting Legacy?

Paul Scholes is remembered as a player who did everything naturally. He was not the fastest, nor the strongest, but his brain and technique were world class. He won every major club honour, became a one-club man, and did it all without ever craving the spotlight.

His influence on the modern game is still visible in the way midfielders are now taught to receive the ball, turn and pass. For anyone who loves football, Scholes represents the idea that intelligence and technique can triumph over physicality and glamour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Scholes

Is Paul Scholes still involved in football?

Yes, he works as a pundit for Sky Sports and BT Sport, and occasionally helps coach Manchester United’s youth teams.

Why is Paul Scholes considered underrated?

Despite his achievements, he played in a team with other global superstars such as Beckham and Ronaldo. His quiet personality also kept him out of the limelight.

Has Paul Scholes ever managed a club?

Yes, he briefly managed Oldham Athletic in 2019 in League Two before resigning after 31 days.

What is Paul Scholes’ connection to Salford City?

He is a co-owner of Salford City FC alongside other ‘Class of 92’ members.

How tall is Paul Scholes?

Paul Scholes is listed at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) in biographical profiles.

Henry Clarke Thompson

About the author

Henry Clarke Thompson

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