Paul Scholes might not be the flashiest name in football, but his bank account tells a different story. The Manchester United legend has built impressive wealth through his playing career, smart investments, and media work. Unlike some of his more outspoken teammates, Scholes kept a lower profile while amassing a fortune that puts him among football’s wealthy elite. His journey from Salford youth to multimillionaire shows how talent combined with smart money choices creates lasting wealth.
Paul Scholes Net Worth in 2025: The Breakdown
Paul Scholes net worth in 2025 stands at approximately £25-30 million (about $30-36 million). This impressive sum comes from his 20-year playing career, his current media work, and various business ventures. While substantial, his wealth is modest compared to former teammate David Beckham, whose fortune exceeds $450 million.
The Manchester United legend earned most of his money during his playing career, but he continues to grow his wealth through smart investments. His stake in Salford City FC has increased in value as the club climbed through the football leagues. This investment, made alongside his Class of ’92 teammates, shows his business sense extends beyond the pitch.
Scholes’ media career also adds significantly to his wealth. His straightforward, no-nonsense analysis makes him popular with viewers and valuable to networks. His wealth fluctuates based on his investment performance and media commitments, with property investments in Manchester contributing to his overall portfolio.
How Paul Scholes Earned His Wealth: Career & Income Streams
During his peak years at Manchester United, Paul Scholes earned between £50,000 and £80,000 per week. Over his 20-year career, these wages added up to a substantial sum, forming the foundation of his wealth. His loyalty to one club also earned him significant bonus payments, especially after winning major trophies.
Since hanging up his boots, Scholes has become a respected football analyst. His work with TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) and Premier League Productions brings in an estimated £500,000 to £1 million annually. Viewers appreciate his honest opinions and expert insights, making him valuable to sports broadcasters.
Though not as commercially active as players like Beckham, Scholes has had endorsement deals with major brands including Nike, Paddy Power, and EA Sports. His investment in Salford City FC, alongside other Class of ’92 members, has proven particularly smart as the club has risen through the football pyramid. He also holds a property portfolio in Greater Manchester that provides ongoing income.
Paul Scholes’ Career Highlights: Why He’s a Football Icon
Paul Scholes played 718 games for Manchester United, scoring 155 goals during a career spanning two decades. This remarkable longevity speaks to both his talent and professionalism. His 11 Premier League titles make him one of the most decorated English players ever.
What made Scholes special was his vision and passing ability. He could control games from midfield, dictating the pace and finding teammates with pinpoint passes others couldn’t even see. His shooting from distance added another dimension, with many of his goals coming from thunderous strikes outside the box.
His international career included 66 caps for England, though he retired from England duty in 2004 to focus on Manchester United. This decision likely extended his club career by several years. Football greats like Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, and Xavi have called Scholes a “genius” and one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Paul Scholes’ Investments & Business Ventures
The most notable investment in Paul Scholes’ portfolio is his stake in Salford City FC. Along with his Class of ’92 teammates – Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, and David Beckham – Scholes helped transform the club from a semi-professional outfit to a Football League team. This investment has grown significantly in value as the club climbed the leagues.
Real estate forms another key part of Scholes’ investment strategy. He owns several properties in the Greater Manchester area, a market he understands well having lived there his whole life. These properties provide rental income while also appreciating in value over time.
Unlike some former players who jump straight into full-time management, Scholes has been selective about his coaching roles. His brief stint managing Oldham Athletic ended quickly due to ownership issues, but showed his interest in the coaching side of football. He continues to work with youth players and offers consultancy services, creating income streams that leverage his football knowledge.
Paul Scholes vs. Other Football Legends: Net Worth Comparison
When comparing wealth among football legends, Paul Scholes’ £25-30 million net worth sits well below David Beckham’s estimated £380 million fortune. This massive difference highlights how commercial appeal can eclipse playing achievements when it comes to building wealth. Ryan Giggs, another Class of ’92 member, has a net worth around £50 million – higher than Scholes despite similar playing careers.
Scholes’ more modest wealth compared to these peers reflects his personality more than his football ability. He rarely sought the spotlight, turning down many commercial opportunities that would have boosted his earnings. While Beckham embraced celebrity status, Scholes focused almost exclusively on football during his playing days.
The contrast between Scholes and his peers shows different paths to wealth after a football career. Some players leverage their image for maximum commercial gain, while others focus on football-related income through coaching, media work, and club ownership. Scholes’ approach aligns with his authentic, no-nonsense character – building wealth without compromising his values.
Paul Scholes’ Lifestyle & Spending Habits
Unlike many football millionaires, Paul Scholes lives relatively modestly. He still resides in the Manchester area where he grew up, preferring familiar surroundings to exotic locations. His home, while certainly comfortable, lacks the mansion-like extravagance of many football stars.
Scholes rarely appears in tabloids for extravagant purchases or flashy displays of wealth. His occasional splurges tend to focus on family holidays and some classic cars – interests that bring personal enjoyment rather than public attention. This restraint with spending helps preserve his wealth for the long term.
Charity work forms an important but quiet part of Scholes’ life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported NHS efforts without seeking publicity. He also contributes to local causes in the Manchester area, particularly those helping disadvantaged youth access sports. These charitable efforts show his connection to his roots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much did Paul Scholes earn at Manchester United? During his peak years at Manchester United, Scholes earned between £50,000 and £80,000 per week. Over his 20-year career, this added up to millions in basic salary. He also received substantial bonuses for winning trophies, with Manchester United’s dominance during his era adding significantly to his earnings.
Is Paul Scholes a millionaire? Yes, Paul Scholes is a multi-millionaire with a net worth estimated between £25-30 million (approximately $30-36 million) as of 2025. His wealth comes from his football career, media work, and investments. While not as wealthy as some former teammates like David Beckham, Scholes has built substantial financial security.
What businesses does Paul Scholes own? Scholes’ main business interest is his stake in Salford City FC, which he co-owns with his Class of ’92 teammates. He also owns several properties in the Greater Manchester area that provide rental income. Unlike some former players who launch clothing lines or lifestyle brands, Scholes has focused his business interests on areas connected to football and his local community.
How does Paul Scholes make money now? Since retiring from playing, Scholes earns most of his income through football punditry with TNT Sports and Premier League Productions, bringing in an estimated £500,000 to £1 million annually. He also makes money from his Salford City FC investment as the club grows in value, property investments, and occasional football consultancy work.
Paul Scholes’ journey from talented youngster to wealthy football legend shows how sporting excellence combined with smart financial decisions creates lasting prosperity. While he may not have the headline-grabbing wealth of teammates like Beckham, his substantial fortune provides security while allowing him to maintain the grounded lifestyle he prefers. In wealth as in football, Scholes proves that substance often matters more than style.