Paul Scholes vs Sol Campbell: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Centre-Back, England (born 1974, retired 2011)
Line up Paul Scholes next to Sol Campbell and the contrasts come quickly. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. On production alone, Paul Scholes posted 169 goals across 784 appearances while Sol Campbell managed 20 across 650. Add playmaking to the mix and Paul Scholes laid on 75 goals, Sol Campbell 5. The honours ledger favours Paul Scholes with 17 major trophies (2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)) against Sol Campbell's 5 (2× Premier League (2002, 2004)). Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of incisive consistency, while Sol Campbell won his with resolute bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Sol Campbell reached his defining level around 2004 after spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Notts County, Newcastle United, Arsenal. Picking between them says as much about the picker as the players.
158 words · comparison angle: trophies
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 commanding, athletic centre-back, Campbell was central to Arsenal's unbeaten 'Invincibles' 2003-04 title after a controversial free transfer from rivals Tottenham.
“A physically dominant, athletic centre-back whose pace and strength let him play an unusually high defensive line.”
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)
- 2× Premier League (2002, 2004)
- 3× FA Cup (2001, 2003, 2008)
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
- 1992 Professional debut for Tottenham Hotspur
- 2002 Won Premier League with Arsenal
- 2001 Won FA Cup with Tottenham Hotspur
- 2004 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2011 Retired after a final spell at Arsenal
- Finished his career with 20 goals in 650 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 20 goals in 650 appearances and 5 major honours.
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)
