Sergio Agüero vs Paul Scholes: Stats Compared
Striker, Argentina (born 1988, retired 2021) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013)
Comparing Sergio Agüero with Paul Scholes means weighing two very different kinds of greatness. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. The raw numbers read 427 goals in 700 outings for Sergio Agüero (0.61/game), versus 169 in 784 for Paul Scholes (0.22/game). Add playmaking to the mix and Sergio Agüero laid on 110 goals, Paul Scholes 75. In major honours Sergio Agüero collected 10 — headlined by 5× Premier League (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021) — whereas Paul Scholes amassed 17, led by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008). The striker duties of Sergio Agüero leaned flair-driven; the central midfielder responsibilities of Paul Scholes leaned creative. Club journeys add another layer, with Sergio Agüero reaching his representative peak around 2014 across Independiente, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona and Paul Scholes doing so around 2008 with Manchester United. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
157 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
A clinical, ice-cool Argentine striker who scored Manchester City's most dramatic title-winning goal and became the club's all-time top scorer.
“A low, powerful, instinctive finisher with explosive acceleration in the box and a knack for the biggest moments.”
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.”
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
- 5× Premier League (2012, 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021)
- 1× UEFA Europa League (2010)
- 4× League Cup (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11× Premier League
- 3× FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2003 Professional debut for Independiente
- 2012 Won Premier League with Manchester City
- 2014 Won League Cup with Manchester City
- 2014 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester City
- 2021 Retired after a final spell at Barcelona
- Finished his career with 427 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours. Finished his career with 427 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours.
- 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
The verdict
Reasonable people will disagree, but Paul Scholes wins out by a decisive margin on the weight of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
