Paul Scholes vs Gary Neville: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Right-Back, England (born 1975, retired 2011)
Paul Scholes against Gary Neville is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Across his senior career Paul Scholes notched 169 goals in 784 appearances (0.22 per game), while Gary Neville recorded 7 in 602 (0.01 per game). In chance creation, Paul Scholes tallied 75 assists to Gary Neville's 40. Paul Scholes departs the game with 17 major pieces of silverware, including 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008); Gary Neville with 13, including 8× Premier League (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008). As a central midfielder Paul Scholes bent the role to a creative template; as a right-back, Gary Neville redefined it with elegant authority. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Gary Neville reached his defining level around 1999 after spells with Manchester United. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
172 words · comparison angle: role
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 one-club man over nineteen years, Neville was the reliable, fiercely competitive right-back of Manchester United's most decorated era, later becoming a leading broadcaster.
“A disciplined, tactically intelligent full-back whose positioning and consistency mattered more than flair.”
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)
- 8× Premier League (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008)
- 3× FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 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 Manchester United
- 1996 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 1999 Won UEFA Champions League with Manchester United
- 1999 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2011 Retired after a final spell at Manchester United
- Finished his career with 7 goals in 602 appearances and 13 major honours. Finished his career with 7 goals in 602 appearances and 13 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)
