Paul Scholes Net Worth

What is Paul Scholes' net worth?

Paul Scholes is an English retired professional soccer player who has a net worth of $25 million. Best known for spending his entire 20-year playing career at Manchester United, Paul Scholes is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history. Revered for his pinpoint passing, long-range shooting, and tactical intelligence, he helped United dominate English football through the 1990s and 2000s. Over 718 appearances for the club, he won 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Scholes also represented England 66 times, scoring 14 goals before retiring from international duty in 2004. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, punditry, and co-ownership of Salford City FC, maintaining a respected presence in the sport he helped define.

Early Life

Paul Scholes was born on November 16, 1974, in Salford, Greater Manchester, England, and raised in the nearby town of Langley. A naturally gifted athlete, he excelled in multiple sports during childhood, particularly football. Scholes joined Manchester United's youth academy at age 14 after being spotted by scouts for his exceptional vision and technical control. By the time he turned 19, he was already being touted as one of the most promising players of his generation.

Manchester United Career

Scholes made his senior debut for Manchester United in 1994, scoring twice in a League Cup match against Port Vale. Over the following two decades, he became one of the most consistent and influential midfielders in the Premier League. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Scholes evolved from an attacking midfielder known for his goalscoring instincts into a deep-lying playmaker who dictated tempo and created chances from midfield.

He scored more than 150 goals for United, with some of his most memorable strikes coming in big matches, including a thunderous volley against Bradford City in 2000 and the decisive goal against Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semifinal. After initially retiring in 2011, Scholes was persuaded to return midway through the 2011–12 season, helping United reclaim another league title before retiring for good in 2013.

In total, he won 25 major trophies with the club and became one of the most decorated English footballers of all time.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

International Career

Scholes made his England debut in 1997 and went on to earn 66 caps. He played in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and in both Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 tournaments. While his international career was often marked by positional challenges—frequently being deployed out of his preferred central role—he remained a vital player for England until announcing his retirement from international football in 2004 at age 29.

Despite his early exit from the national team, Scholes's performances for England were widely praised, and several managers, including Fabio Capello, later tried unsuccessfully to convince him to return.

Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

Throughout his career at Manchester United, Scholes signed a series of lucrative contract extensions that reflected his importance to the team. In the early 2000s, he reportedly earned around £50,000 per week, which increased to approximately £80,000 per week during his final seasons. His final one-year deal in 2012–13 placed him among the club's higher earners for veteran players.

Over his two-decade playing career, Scholes is believed to have earned more than £40 million ($65 million) in salary and bonuses. Additional income came from endorsements with brands such as Nike and Pepsi, along with media and punditry work after retirement. He later signed with BT Sport as a football analyst and also earned dividends through his ownership stake in Salford City FC, which he co-owns with other Manchester United legends, including Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, and David Beckham.

Post-Retirement & Business Ventures

After retiring from professional football, Scholes took up several roles that kept him close to the game. In 2019, he briefly managed Oldham Athletic before stepping down after one month, citing interference from ownership. He has remained active as a co-owner and advisor at Salford City, helping guide the lower-league club's ambitious rise through the English football system.

Scholes has also become a respected voice in football media, serving as a pundit for BT Sport and Premier League broadcasts. Known for his candid analysis and straightforward opinions, he has gained a following for his honest commentary on tactics, player mentality, and modern football culture.

Personal Life

Paul Scholes married his childhood sweetheart, Claire Froggatt, in 1999, and the couple has three children together. The family lives in the Manchester area, where Scholes prefers a private lifestyle away from the celebrity spotlight. One of his children, Aiden, has autism, and Scholes has spoken publicly about the importance of family and supporting autism awareness.

Legacy

Regarded by peers like Xavi, Zidane, and Pirlo as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Paul Scholes remains a benchmark for technical excellence and loyalty. His combination of longevity, humility, and mastery of the game has made him a cult figure among Manchester United supporters and football purists worldwide.

Scholes's influence continues through his work in coaching, youth development, and media, ensuring that his football intellect remains a part of the sport's ongoing conversation.

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