Paul Scholes, born on 16 November 1974 in Salford, England, is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation. His entire professional playing career was spent at Manchester United, where he won 11 Premier League titles – more than any other English player – and collected 25 trophies in total. Known for his exceptional passing range, vision, and goalscoring from midfield, Scholes remains a benchmark for technical excellence in the game.
Standing at just 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in), Scholes defied expectations of physique in elite football. He came through the Manchester United academy as part of the celebrated “Fergie’s Fledglings” and made his full debut in the 1994–95 season. Over 16 years, he made 718 appearances for the club, scoring 157 goals and becoming the third-highest appearance maker in United history.
His influence extended beyond club football. Scholes earned 66 caps for England, representing his country at two World Cups and two European Championships. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and later became a football pundit, co-owning Salford City with his former classmates from the Class of ’92.
How Many Premier League Appearances Did Paul Scholes Make? Career Stats and Profile
Paul Scholes
16 November 1974, Salford, England
1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Central Midfielder
- Paul Scholes is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, winning 25 trophies including 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United.
- Despite his relatively short stature for a footballer (1.68 m), Scholes dominated midfield with exceptional passing range and vision.
- Scholes has maintained a relatively private personal life, married to Emma Scholes since 1999, with two children: son Aiden and daughter Alicia.
- His estimated net worth of £20–25 million comes primarily from his playing career, punditry, and business ventures post-retirement.
- He is the third United player after Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to score 100+ Premier League goals.
- Scholes scored in his 19th consecutive Premier League season, a feat only surpassed by Ryan Giggs (21 seasons).
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 16 November 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Salford, Greater Manchester, England |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Playing Position | Central Midfielder |
| Club | Manchester United (1993–2013) |
| Premier League Appearances | 499 |
| Premier League Goals | 107 |
| International Caps (England) | 66 |
| International Goals | 14 |
| Nickname | “The Ginger Ninja” |
| Wife | Emma Scholes (m. 1999) |
| Children | Aiden (son), Alicia (daughter) |
| Net Worth (est.) | £20–25 million |
What Is Paul Scholes’ Net Worth? Financial Status and Career Earnings
Paul Scholes’ net worth is not publicly confirmed by any official financial disclosure. Estimates from various sources, including celebrity net worth databases and sports finance publications, place his wealth in the range of £20–25 million. This figure is derived primarily from his long playing career at Manchester United, where he earned substantial wages and bonuses, as well as post-retirement income from punditry work with BT Sport and Sky Sports, and his co-ownership of Salford City FC alongside his Class of ’92 teammates.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Scholes has not pursued high-profile endorsement deals or large-scale commercial ventures. His financial profile reflects a career built on loyalty to one club and relatively modest off-field earnings compared to modern footballers at the top level.
Exact net worth figures are speculative. No verified financial documents or official statements from Scholes or his representatives are publicly available. The £20–25 million estimate is a consensus from multiple unverified sources and should be treated as an approximation.
Who Is Paul Scholes’ Wife? Family Life, Son and Daughter
Paul Scholes married Emma Scholes in 1999, and the couple have two children together: a son named Aiden and a daughter named Alicia. The family has largely stayed out of the public eye, with Scholes consistently prioritising privacy for his loved ones. In his autobiography My Story, he emphasised the importance of family and friends in keeping him grounded throughout his career.
Does Paul Scholes have a son and daughter?
Yes. His son Aiden and daughter Alicia are his only children. Neither child has pursued a public profile in football or media, and their names are known primarily through biographical references in Scholes’ own book and occasional mentions in media reports.
Who is Paul Scholes’ partner or spouse?
Paul Scholes is married to Emma Scholes. The couple have been together since before his rise to fame and have remained married for over two decades. There are no public records or credible reports of any other partner.
Details about Emma Scholes, Aiden, and Alicia beyond their names are scarce. Paul Scholes has intentionally kept his family life out of the media spotlight, and no verified photographs or personal interviews with family members are widely available.
What Is Paul Scholes’ Nickname? The Story Behind ‘The Ginger Ninja’
Paul Scholes is famously known as “The Ginger Ninja”, a nickname that combines his distinctive red hair with his quiet, stealthy style of play. The moniker originated from fans and media, reflecting how Scholes would move silently through midfield, appear suddenly in dangerous positions, and strike with precision – much like a ninja. The nickname has stuck throughout his career and remains widely used by supporters and pundits alike.
Within the football community and among teammates, he is more commonly called “Scholesy”. This affectionate shorthand is used in dressing rooms and by commentators as a familiar reference to one of Manchester United’s most loyal servants.
The “Ginger Ninja” nickname is not official – Scholes himself has never publicly adopted it – but it appears in fan chants, social media hashtags, and football publications worldwide. It is a testament to how his playing style inspired creative naming among supporters.
Paul Scholes Career Timeline
- 1974 – Born on 16 November in Salford, England.
- 1993 – Made professional debut for Manchester United.
- 1999 – Married Emma; won Treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League).
- 2001 – Scored iconic volley vs. Bradford City.
- 2008 – Won Champions League and Premier League double.
- 2011 – Briefly came out of retirement; won Premier League title.
- 2013 – Retired from playing; final Premier League appearance.
- 2014–2019 – Coaching roles at Manchester United, Salford City.
- 2020–present – Football punditry and media work.
Source: Wikipedia
What We Know vs. What Is Uncertain About Paul Scholes
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Paul Scholes was born on 16 November 1974 in Salford. | Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates range from £20 to £25 million. |
| He played for Manchester United from 1993 to 2013. | Details of current daily activities/personal ventures are not fully public. |
| He is married to Emma Scholes since 1999. | No publicly verified social media accounts; @paulscholesaaa on Instagram is unverified but widely believed to be genuine. |
| He has two children: Aiden and Alicia. | Specific personal financial data and family images are not in the public domain. |
| His Premier League stats: 499 appearances, 107 goals. | – |
Why Paul Scholes Matters in Football History
Paul Scholes is consistently ranked among the finest midfielders in football history by peers such as Zinedine Zidane and Xavi. His technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring from midfield defined Manchester United’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Treble-winning 1998–99 season was a career highlight, but his influence extended across two decades of sustained excellence.
Since retiring, Scholes has worked as a pundit for BT Sport and Sky Sports, co-owns Salford City FC with his Class of ’92 teammates, and remains an influential voice in English football commentary. For more on his legacy, explore Paul Scholes and Manchester United career stats.
What Do Peers and Sources Say About Paul Scholes?
“Scholes is the most complete midfielder of his generation.”
Zinedine Zidane via Wikipedia
“In the last 15 years, the best midfielder I’ve seen is Paul Scholes.”
Xavi via Wikipedia
“Paul Scholes has won 25 trophies in his career, including 11 Premier League titles.”
Wikipedia / Premier League stats
What Is Paul Scholes’ Current Status and Next Chapter?
Paul Scholes continues to be active in football as a pundit and co-owner of Salford City. He occasionally appears on television and in media interviews, offering his analysis of modern football. For a broader look at the game’s greatest names, read about Premier League legends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Scholes
What is Paul Scholes’ jersey number?
Paul Scholes wore the number 18 shirt for most of his Manchester United career, and also wore number 22 briefly.
Who is Paul Scholes’ partner?
Paul Scholes’ wife is Emma Scholes. They have been married since 1999. He is not known to have a separate partner.
How many Premier League appearances did Paul Scholes make?
He made 499 Premier League appearances, scoring 107 goals.
What position did Paul Scholes play?
He played as a central midfielder, known for his passing and shooting.
How tall is Paul Scholes?
He is 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) tall.
Does Paul Scholes have a daughter?
Yes, his daughter’s name is Alicia.
Does Paul Scholes have a son?
Yes, his son’s name is Aiden.
What is Paul Scholes’ nickname?
He is known as “The Ginger Ninja” and often called “Scholesy”.
What is Paul Scholes’ net worth?
Estimates place it around £20–25 million, but it is not publicly confirmed.
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Oliver Reeves leads fact-checking, source verification and corrections review at Headlines UK.