Paul Scholes vs Tostão: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Striker, Brazil (born 1947, retired 1973)
The Paul Scholes–Tostão comparison is one of those fixtures of footballing folklore. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. Paul Scholes finishes with 169 career goals from 784 games — a 0.22 strike rate — against Tostão's 260 from 450 at 0.58 per match. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Paul Scholes is listed at 75 and Tostão at 0 where figures survive. Paul Scholes departs the game with 17 major pieces of silverware, including 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008); Tostão with 4, including 1× FIFA World Cup (1970). Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of silky consistency, while Tostão won his with explosive bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Tostão reached his defining level around 1970 after spells with Cruzeiro, Vasco da Gama. Whichever side you land on, both belong in any conversation about the finest of their generation.
178 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 key attacking partner to Pelé in the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning side, Tostão's career was tragically cut short by a detached retina at just 26.
“A clever, technically gifted forward whose intelligent movement and passing made him the connective tissue of Brazil's 1970 attack.”
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× FIFA World Cup (1970)
- 3× Campeonato Mineiro (1966, 1967, 1968)
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
- 1963 Professional debut for Cruzeiro
- 1970 Won FIFA World Cup with Cruzeiro
- 1966 Won Campeonato Mineiro with Cruzeiro
- 1970 Reached the peak of his powers at Cruzeiro
- 1973 Retired after a final spell at Vasco da Gama
- Finished his career with 260 goals in 450 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 260 goals in 450 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Paul Scholes takes the verdict — a decisive margin, driven by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
