Paul Scholes vs Elías Figueroa: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Centre-Back, Chile (born 1946, retired 1982)
Set Paul Scholes alongside Elías Figueroa and the numbers start an argument of their own. Silverware is the currency of legacy, and both players filled cabinets that few can rival. By the end Paul Scholes had 169 goals from 784 caps and club outings; Elías Figueroa had 40 from 600. Assists were not reliably tracked for much of their careers, which makes the playmaking comparison an imperfect one; where records exist, Paul Scholes is credited with 75 and Elías Figueroa with 0. In major honours Paul Scholes collected 17 — headlined by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) — whereas Elías Figueroa amassed 5, led by 2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968). Paul Scholes built his medal haul through years of silky consistency, while Elías Figueroa won his with rugged bursts of brilliance. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Elías Figueroa reached his defining level around 1974 after spells with Santiago Wanderers, Peñarol, Internacional, Palestino, Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Rank them how you like — both names are carved into the sport's permanent record.
186 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.”
A three-time South American Footballer of the Year, Figueroa is widely considered the finest defender the continent has produced, marshalling Internacional's dominant 1970s side.
“An imperious, elegant centre-back who combined aerial dominance with composed distribution well ahead of his era.”
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)
- 2× Uruguayan Primera División (1967, 1968)
- 3× Campeonato Gaúcho (1973, 1974, 1975)
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
- 1965 Professional debut for Santiago Wanderers
- 1967 Won Uruguayan Primera División with Peñarol
- 1973 Won Campeonato Gaúcho with Internacional
- 1974 Reached the peak of his powers at Internacional
- 1982 Retired after a final spell at Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 40 goals in 600 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Paul Scholes edges the comparison. The margin is a decisive margin, decided mostly by a sharper goalscoring record.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
