Paul Scholes vs Nuno Gomes: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) Ā· Striker, Portugal (born 1976, retired 2013)
Set Paul Scholes alongside Nuno Gomes and the numbers start an argument of their own. Honours are what separate great players from trophy-laden legends, and both qualify. The raw numbers read 169 goals in 784 outings for Paul Scholes (0.22/game), versus 190 in 600 for Nuno Gomes (0.32/game). The assist columns read 75 for Paul Scholes and 30 for Nuno Gomes where the record exists. In major honours Paul Scholes collected 17 ā headlined by 2Ć UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) ā whereas Nuno Gomes amassed 5, led by 3Ć Primeira Liga (1994, 2005, 2010). Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of incisive consistency, while Nuno Gomes won his with flair-driven bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Nuno Gomes reached his defining level around 2004 after spells with Benfica, Fiorentina, Benfica, Braga. Rank them how you like ā both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
165 words Ā· comparison angle: trophies
Player profiles
Manchester United midfielder renowned for his passing range and vision; two-time Champions League winner.
āA short-sighted, single-touch midfielder whose passing range was unmatched in his generation.ā
Portugal's talismanic striker through two major tournaments, Nuno Gomes was Benfica's record European Championship top scorer and a beloved figure in Portuguese football.
āA sharp, hard-working striker whose movement and finishing made him a reliable source of goals across two decades.ā
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons ā goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0ā100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 2Ć UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11Ć Premier League
- 3Ć FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1Ć FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
- 3Ć Primeira Liga (1994, 2005, 2010)
- 2Ć TaƧa de Portugal (2004, 2005)
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
- 1994 Professional debut for Benfica
- 1994 Won Primeira Liga with Benfica
- 2004 Won TaƧa de Portugal with Benfica
- 2004 Reached the peak of his powers at Benfica
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Braga
- Finished his career with 190 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 190 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Paul Scholes edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
