Early Life and Family History: Paul Scholes was born and raised in Salford, Greater Manchester. Growing up in a working-class family, he was passionate about football from a young age. Scholes’ father, Stewart, worked in a postal service, and his mother, Marina, was a homemaker. He attended St Mary’s RC Primary School in Langley, where he first showed his talent for football. His early years were characterized by a deep love for the game, despite not being the most physically imposing child.
Early Career and Hardships: Scholes joined Manchester United’s youth team at the age of 14, having been scouted while playing for his local team. However, he faced significant challenges due to his slight frame and asthma, which raised doubts about his ability to succeed in professional football. Despite these challenges, Scholes’ technical skills, vision, and tenacity on the field made him stand out.
Career Timeline and Successes:
- 1993-1994: Scholes signed his first professional contract with Manchester United and made his senior debut in the League Cup in 1994, scoring two goals.
- 1995-1996: Became a regular in the Manchester United first team. He contributed significantly to the club’s double-winning season (Premier League and FA Cup).
- 1998-1999: Scholes was an integral part of Manchester United’s historic treble-winning season (Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League). His performances were characterized by his intelligent passing, ability to score from distance, and tireless work rate.
- 2000-2005: Scholes continued to be a key player for Manchester United, winning several Premier League titles and domestic cups. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple midfield roles.
- 2004: Announced his retirement from international football after earning 66 caps for England, a decision that shocked many given his influence on the national team.
- 2006-2011: Despite struggling with injuries, Scholes remained a pivotal figure for Manchester United. He won his tenth Premier League title in 2011.
- 2011: Retired from professional football at the end of the 2010-2011 season but returned for the second half of the 2011-2012 season, helping United in a time of need.
- 2013: Scholes retired for the second and final time at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
Hardships and Challenges: Throughout his career, Scholes faced several injuries, particularly in his later years, which sometimes kept him out of the game. Additionally, his struggle with asthma was a continuous challenge, but he managed to overcome these obstacles through sheer determination and work ethic.
Post-Retirement: After retiring from football, Scholes took up roles as a football coach and pundit. He briefly managed Oldham Athletic in 2019 but stepped down after 31 days. He has since focused on punditry, where his insights and no-nonsense approach have been well-received.
Real Name: Paul Scholes
Date of Birth: November 16, 1974
Birth Place: Salford, Greater Manchester, England
Residence: Manchester, England
Profession: Retired Professional Footballer, Football Coach, and Pundit
Nationality: British (English)
Religion: Christianity
Partner: Claire Froggatt (married in 1999)
Father: Stewart Scholes
Mother: Marina Scholes
Horoscope: Scorpio
Age: 49 (as of 2024)
Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight: Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)
Body Type: Athletic
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Red