Paul Scholes, a Manchester United icon and Champions League winner, recently shared insights about the toughest opponents he faced during his illustrious career.
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Scholes, who spent two decades at Old Trafford, was pivotal in Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble-winning squad of 1999 and lifted the Champions League trophy again in 2008. Known as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, he played alongside greats like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reflecting on his Champions League battles, Scholes told Sky Bet’s The Overlap that narrowing down his toughest adversaries was challenging, but he emphasized the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid during his era.
“I faced some incredible teams,” Scholes said. “That great Barcelona side, the Real Madrid Galácticos, and Juventus. When we were chasing Champions League glory, those teams were phenomenal. Even internationally, we had to contend with France and Spain.”
When asked to name his top five foes, Scholes listed Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Zinedine Zidane, and Brazilian Ronaldo.
Scholes was full of admiration for Ronaldo, saying, “I know he’s a striker, but R9 was something else. The Brazilian Ronaldo is the best.”
Both Xavi and Zidane have praised Scholes in the past, with Xavi calling him “the best central midfielder of the last 15-20 years,” and Zidane describing him as “undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation.”
Scholes’ legendary stats include 714 appearances, 153 goals, and 11 Premier League titles, cementing his place as one of football’s all-time greats.
