Bebeto vs Paul Scholes: Stats Compared
Striker, Brazil (born 1964, retired 2005) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013)
Few debates split football fans quite like Bebeto versus Paul Scholes. Goals are the coldest, hardest metric in football, and both players stockedpile them. Bebeto finishes with 300 career goals from 700 games — a 0.43 strike rate — against Paul Scholes's 169 from 784 at 0.22 per match. In chance creation, Bebeto tallied 60 assists to Paul Scholes's 75. In major honours Bebeto collected 4 — headlined by 1× FIFA World Cup (1994) — whereas Paul Scholes amassed 17, led by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008). Their finishing mirrored their personalities: Bebeto flair-driven, Paul Scholes silky. Club journeys add another layer, with Bebeto reaching his representative peak around 1994 across Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Deportivo La Coruña, Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Al Ittihad, América-RJ and Paul Scholes doing so around 2008 with Manchester United. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
150 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Famous for the 'rock the baby' goal celebration at the 1994 World Cup, Bebeto formed a lethal strike partnership with Romário in Brazil's triumphant campaign.
“A sharp, clever striker with excellent movement off the shoulder of the last defender and clinical composure in front of goal.”
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
- 1× FIFA World Cup (1994)
- 1× Copa América (1989)
- 2× Campeonato Brasileiro (1989, 1997)
- 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
- 1983 Professional debut for Flamengo
- 1994 Won FIFA World Cup with Deportivo La Coruña
- 1989 Won Campeonato Brasileiro with Flamengo
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Deportivo La Coruña
- 2005 Retired after a final spell at América-RJ
- Finished his career with 300 goals in 700 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 300 goals in 700 appearances and 4 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
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Paul Scholes takes it by a decisive margin.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
