Paul Scholes Quits Football Punditry to Care for Autistic Son
Football legend Paul Scholes has officially stepped away from his football punditry role to focus on his personal life and family. The former Manchester United and England midfielder confirmed that his decision was influenced by his responsibilities toward his 20-year-old son, Aiden, who lives with severe non-verbal autism.
Scholes, known for his calmness on the pitch and sharp analysis in television studios, explained that caring for his son has become his full-time priority. His decision marks a touching and human chapter in the life of one of football’s most respected figures.
A Personal Decision from the Heart
Paul Scholes revealed that the main reason behind stepping down from punditry was his commitment to Aiden’s daily routine. The Manchester United great explained that his son follows a very strict structure each day, and as a father, he now shapes all his work and activities around that.
He said: “All the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day. So, I just decided everything I’m going to do is around Aiden.”
This decision reflects not only Scholes’ sense of family but also the challenges that many parents of children with special needs face. His openness has been widely appreciated, giving fans a rare glimpse into his life beyond football.
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Balancing Family and Football
Scholes had been a regular figure on British television, offering expert analysis for TNT Sports’ Europa League coverage and other football programmes. His punditry career began in 2014 with BT Sport, and over the years, his direct, no-nonsense opinions became a hallmark of football discussions.
However, as family responsibilities grew, Scholes found it increasingly difficult to manage late-night match coverage and travel. The former midfielder decided to scale back his commitments to create a calmer, more predictable environment for Aiden.
He has since chosen to take on smaller, more flexible projects that fit around his son’s schedule, ensuring he can be present every day.
Fans and Fellow Professionals Show Support
The football community has expressed deep respect for Scholes’ decision. Supporters, colleagues, and former players have praised him for prioritising family over fame. Many called his choice a reminder that behind the cameras and stadium lights, players and pundits face real-life responsibilities and challenges.
Fellow ex-professionals also voiced admiration, noting that Scholes’ decision highlights the human side of football. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, sharing words of encouragement for both Scholes and his son.
A Journey Beyond the Pitch
Throughout his life, Paul Scholes has remained a private and grounded individual. Despite his legendary status, he rarely seeks the spotlight and prefers a simple lifestyle in Manchester. His latest step reinforces that approach, putting personal values ahead of public appearances.
The Manchester United icon remains one of the most decorated midfielders in English football history, with 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. His understanding of the game and humble nature made him a respected voice in punditry.
Although he has not ruled out occasional football appearances or analysis work in the future, his main focus now is on family life. This new chapter shows a different kind of commitment, one built not on trophies or awards, but on love and care.
A Powerful Message Beyond Football
Paul Scholes’ story is more than just a football headline. It’s a powerful message about compassion, parenthood, and prioritising what truly matters. His honesty about the challenges of raising a child with autism has helped raise awareness and encouraged open discussions about family care.
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By sharing his experience, Scholes has shown that even the most successful public figures face deeply personal struggles and that strength often comes from putting family first.
His move away from punditry may leave a gap on television screens, but his actions off-screen have left an even greater impact.
FAQs
Q1. Why did Paul Scholes quit football punditry?
A. Paul Scholes quit punditry to focus on caring for his son, Aiden, who has severe non-verbal autism.
Q2. Which channel did Paul Scholes work with as a pundit?
A. He worked with TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and was a regular analyst for Europa League matches.
Q3. Will Paul Scholes return to punditry in the future?
A. While he hasn’t ruled it out completely, he will only take roles that fit around his family responsibilities.
Q4. How long was Paul Scholes a football pundit?
A. Scholes began his punditry career in 2014 after retiring from playing and continued until 2025.
Q5. What message has Paul Scholes shared through this decision?
A. He has highlighted the importance of family, compassion, and understanding the challenges of caring for children with special needs.
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