Paul Scholes shares the real reason behind his punditry break
Speaking on The Stick to Football podcast, produced by The Overlap and Sky Bet, Scholes explained that caring for his 20-year-old son, Aiden, who is autistic and non-verbal, has become his main focus.
“All the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day,” he said. “I just decided everything I’m going to do is around Aiden.”
Scholes and his ex-wife, Claire, who separated in 2020, share parenting duties and coordinate a routine that gives Aiden structure and comfort. Though he struggles with concepts like time and days of the week, Scholes said his son recognises the days through their familiar habits — swimming on Tuesdays, dinner out on Thursdays, and chocolate shopping on Sundays.
Family, routine and perspective
It’s a simple routine, but for Scholes, it means everything. Those weekly moments have become an anchor for both father and son, offering connection and calm away from the spotlight. “He’ll be 21 in December,” Scholes said with quiet pride during the conversation.
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Away from family life, Scholes has continued to support autism-related causes. Earlier this year, he took part in a fundraising match benefiting I AM — Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, helping raise awareness and funds for autism support in his community.
A private challenge
Aiden’s diagnosis, made when he was just two and a half, weighed heavily on Scholes during the later years of his Manchester United career. He kept it private at the time, preferring to manage in silence rather than seek sympathy. One difficult spell during a busy fixture run left him emotionally drained, prompting him to eventually open up to club staff. It was, he said, a reminder that even the most composed professionals face unseen battles.
It’s a glimpse into a side of Scholes fans rarely see — not the fierce competitor from Old Trafford, but a father whose focus is on what truly matters.
Moving forward
Scholes retired in 2013 after an illustrious 20-year spell with Manchester United, winning 11 Premier League titles and making 716 appearances for the club. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into punditry with TNT Sports and ITV, covering Premier League and international tournaments, including the World Cup.
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Today, the 50-year-old has turned to new projects. He recently launched a weekly podcast, The Good, The Bad & The Football, alongside former teammate Nicky Butt and presenter Paddy McGuinness.
For Scholes, stepping away from punditry isn’t a farewell to football — it’s a return to what matters most: family, balance, and life beyond the game.
Sources: Stick to Football podcast (The Overlap / Sky Bet), TNT Sports, ITV, The Mirror
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