José Luis Chilavert vs Paul Scholes: Stats Compared
Goalkeeper, Paraguay (born 1965, retired 2004) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013)
Line up José Luis Chilavert next to Paul Scholes and the contrasts come quickly. Legacy is the only real measure that outlives the numbers, and both have staked towering claims. The raw numbers read 67 goals in 737 outings for José Luis Chilavert (0.09/game), versus 169 in 784 for Paul Scholes (0.22/game). Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — José Luis Chilavert is listed at 0 and Paul Scholes at 75 where figures survive. José Luis Chilavert departs the game with 8 major pieces of silverware, including 1× Copa Libertadores (1994); Paul Scholes with 17, including 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008). History will file José Luis Chilavert under reflex-sharp greatness and Paul Scholes under intelligent greatness — different shelves, same temple. Context beyond the headline totals is important: José Luis Chilavert's landmark level arrived around 1994 with a career spanning San Lorenzo, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, Strasbourg; Paul Scholes's came around 2008 across Manchester United. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
181 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
José Luis Félix Chilavert González is a Paraguayan former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Sportivo Luqueño, Guaraní, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Real Zaragoza, Vélez Sarsfield, RC Strasbourg, Peñarol and the Paraguay national team. Chilavert won 12 club titles, including the 1994 Copa Libertadores and the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, while playing for Vélez Sarsfield, and is a three-time IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper award winner. A fast and agile shot-stopper, known for his leadership, strong personality, and goalkeeping ability, he was regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in his prime; outside of his goalkeeping position, Chilavert was also known for his outfield skills and ability as a free kick specialist, and often took penalties.
“A commanding goalkeeper and set-piece specialist who made scoring from distance part of his job.”
Manchester United midfielder renowned for his passing range and vision; two-time Champions League winner.
“A short-sighted, single-touch midfielder whose passing range was unmatched in his generation.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 1× Copa Libertadores (1994)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11× Premier League
- 3× FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Established himself at San Lorenzo
- 1990 Reached his defining peak
- 1994 Delivered a landmark season
- 2004 Retired from professional football
- 1994 Manchester United debut
- 1996 First Premier League title
- 1999 Treble winner with Manchester United
- 2003 Briefly retired from England duty
- 2008 Second Champions League winner
- 2011 Came out of retirement to help Manchester United
- 2013 Retired for good at Manchester United
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Paul Scholes takes it by a decisive margin.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
