Paul Scholes vs David Luiz: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Centre-Back, Brazil (born 1987, retired 2023)
Line up Paul Scholes next to David Luiz and the contrasts come quickly. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. Across his senior career Paul Scholes notched 169 goals in 784 appearances (0.22 per game), while David Luiz recorded 35 in 650 (0.05 per game). In chance creation, Paul Scholes tallied 75 assists to David Luiz's 25. Trophy counts give Paul Scholes 17 and David Luiz 6, with 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) and 1× UEFA Champions League (2012) the standout honours respectively. Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of orchestrating consistency, while David Luiz won his with uncompromising bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while David Luiz reached his defining level around 2013 after spells with Vitória, Benfica, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, Flamengo. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
163 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.”
An eccentric, unpredictable Brazilian centre-back famed for his wild hairstyles and thunderous free-kicks, David Luiz won trophies across three major European leagues.
“An unorthodox, high-risk centre-back who combined bold attacking instincts and a huge shot with occasionally erratic positioning.”
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 (2012)
- 2× UEFA Europa League (2013, 2019)
- 2× Premier League (2015, 2017)
- 1× FA Cup (2018)
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
- 2006 Professional debut for Vitória
- 2012 Won UEFA Champions League with Chelsea
- 2018 Won FA Cup with Chelsea
- 2013 Reached the peak of his powers at Chelsea
- 2023 Retired after a final spell at Flamengo
- Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours. Finished his career with 35 goals in 650 appearances and 6 major honours.
The verdict
Reasonable people will disagree, but Paul Scholes wins out by a decisive margin on the weight of a sharper goalscoring record.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
