Paul Scholes vs Per Mertesacker: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013) · Centre-Back, Germany (born 1984, retired 2018)
Line up Paul Scholes next to Per Mertesacker and the contrasts come quickly. Strip away the highlights and the medal count tells its own story for each man. On production alone, Paul Scholes posted 169 goals across 784 appearances while Per Mertesacker managed 15 across 550. Add playmaking to the mix and Paul Scholes laid on 75 goals, Per Mertesacker 5. In major honours Paul Scholes collected 17 — headlined by 2× UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008) — whereas Per Mertesacker amassed 4, led by 1× FIFA World Cup (2014). One lifted trophies through creative reliability, the other through uncompromising moments that decided finals. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Scholes built his reputation across Manchester United, peaking around 2008, while Per Mertesacker reached his defining level around 2014 after spells with Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Arsenal. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
151 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 towering, calm German centre-back nicknamed 'BFG' by Arsenal fans, Mertesacker started every match of Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign.
“A commanding, positionally intelligent centre-back whose reading of the game compensated for a lack of raw pace.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2014)
- 3× FA Cup (2014, 2015, 2017)
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
- 2001 Professional debut for Hannover 96
- 2014 Won FIFA World Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Won FA Cup with Arsenal
- 2014 Reached the peak of his powers at Arsenal
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Arsenal
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 550 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
The numbers give Paul Scholes the lead — a decisive margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
