Paul Scholes vs Esteban Cambiasso: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Central Midfielder, Argentina (born 1980, retired 2016)
Set Paul Scholes alongside Esteban Cambiasso and the numbers start an argument of their own. Reputations harden into legacies, and few careers cast longer shadows than these two. Career output puts Paul Scholes at 169 goals in 784 games, with Esteban Cambiasso at 60 in 620. Add playmaking to the mix and Paul Scholes laid on 75 goals, Esteban Cambiasso 55. In major honours Paul Scholes collected 17 — headlined by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) — whereas Esteban Cambiasso amassed 7, led by 1× UEFA Champions League (2010). Their legacies diverge in texture: Paul Scholes is remembered as intelligent, Esteban Cambiasso as incisive. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Esteban Cambiasso reached his defining level around 2010 after spells with River Plate, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Leicester City, Olympiacos. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
157 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
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.”
A tireless, tactically astute Argentine midfielder who anchored Inter's historic 2010 treble-winning side.
“A disciplined box-to-box midfielder with excellent positional sense and a surprising eye for a spectacular long-range goal.”
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
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11× Premier League
- 3× FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (2010)
- 5× Serie A (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2010)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 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
- 1996 Professional debut for River Plate
- 2010 Won UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan
- 2010 Won FIFA Club World Cup with Inter Milan
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at Inter Milan
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at Olympiacos
- Finished his career with 60 goals in 620 appearances and 7 major honours. Finished his career with 60 goals in 620 appearances and 7 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Paul Scholes edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
