Paul Scholes vs Deco: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Attacking Midfielder, Portugal (born 1977, retired 2013)
Paul Scholes and Deco represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Goals are the coldest, hardest metric in football, and both players stockedpile them. By the end Paul Scholes had 169 goals from 784 caps and club outings; Deco had 90 from 550. The assist columns read 75 for Paul Scholes and 100 for Deco where the record exists. The honours ledger favours Paul Scholes with 17 major trophies (2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)) against Deco's 5 (2× UEFA Champions League (2004, 2006)). Where Paul Scholes was a creative presence in the box, Deco offered a incisive approach to goalscoring. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Deco reached his defining level around 2004 after spells with Nacional, Porto, Barcelona, Chelsea, Fluminense. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
156 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
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 Brazilian-born playmaker who became a Portugal icon, Deco won the UEFA Cup and Champions League with Porto before repeating the European triumph at Barcelona two years later.
“A quick-thinking, tenacious playmaker who combined physical durability with excellent vision and set-piece delivery.”
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× UEFA Champions League (2004, 2006)
- 1× UEFA Cup (2003)
- 2× La Liga (2005, 2006)
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
- 1997 Professional debut for Nacional
- 2004 Won UEFA Champions League with Porto
- 2005 Won La Liga with Barcelona
- 2004 Reached the peak of his powers at Porto
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Fluminense
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Paul Scholes is the choice: a decisive margin, with a sharper goalscoring record the deciding factor.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
