Paul Scholes vs Adriano: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Striker, Brazil (born 1982, retired 2016)
There is something timeless about weighing Paul Scholes against Adriano. Strip away the highlights and the medal count tells its own story for each man. The raw numbers read 169 goals in 784 outings for Paul Scholes (0.22/game), versus 190 in 400 for Adriano (0.48/game). In chance creation, Paul Scholes tallied 75 assists to Adriano's 30. Paul Scholes departs the game with 17 major pieces of silverware, including 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008); Adriano with 4, including 1× Copa América (2004). Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of incisive consistency, while Adriano won his with flair-driven bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Adriano reached his defining level around 2005 after spells with Flamengo, Internazionale, São Paulo, Flamengo, Corinthians, Miami United. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
154 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.”
Nicknamed 'The Emperor', Adriano was briefly considered the best striker in the world in the mid-2000s, combining brute power with surprising technique before injuries and personal struggles derailed his career.
“An immensely powerful striker whose combination of strength, pace and a ferocious shot made him briefly unplayable.”
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× Copa América (2004)
- 1× FIFA Confederations Cup (2005)
- 2× Serie A (2007, 2008)
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
- 2000 Professional debut for Flamengo
- 2004 Won Copa América with Internazionale
- 2007 Won Serie A with Internazionale
- 2005 Reached the peak of his powers at Internazionale
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at Miami United
- Finished his career with 190 goals in 400 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 190 goals in 400 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Paul Scholes the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a weightier trophy cabinet.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
