Paul Scholes vs David Trezeguet: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Striker, France (born 1977, retired 2013)
Ask any fan to rank Paul Scholes above or below David Trezeguet and you will get a passionate answer. They occupied different roles, which makes a like-for-like verdict a careful exercise. The raw numbers read 169 goals in 784 outings for Paul Scholes (0.22/game), versus 260 in 620 for David Trezeguet (0.42/game). In chance creation, Paul Scholes tallied 75 assists to David Trezeguet's 60. In major honours Paul Scholes collected 17 — headlined by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) — whereas David Trezeguet amassed 5, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (1998). As a central midfielder Paul Scholes bent the role to a dictatorial template; as a striker, David Trezeguet redefined it with explosive authority. Club journeys add another layer, with Paul Scholes reaching his representative peak around 2008 across Manchester United and David Trezeguet doing so around 2000 with Monaco, Juventus, Hércules CF, Baniyas, River Plate. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
161 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.”
The scorer of the golden-goal winner in the Euro 2000 final, Trezeguet was Juventus's record signing and one of the deadliest strikers of his generation.
“A powerful, clinical striker with an excellent aerial game and a ferocious shot from inside the box.”
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 (1998)
- 1× UEFA European Championship (2000)
- 1× Ligue 1 (2000)
- 2× Serie A (2002, 2003)
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
- 1995 Professional debut for Monaco
- 1998 Won FIFA World Cup with Monaco
- 2002 Won Serie A with Juventus
- 2000 Reached the peak of his powers at Monaco
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at River Plate
- Finished his career with 260 goals in 620 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 260 goals in 620 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)
