Paul Scholes Steps Away from Punditry to Care for Autistic Son Aiden
Former Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has opened up about a deeply personal decision — stepping back from his television punditry career to focus on caring for his 20-year-old autistic son, Aiden. The decision, as Scholes shared in a heartfelt conversation on Gary Neville’s Stick to Football podcast, reflects how much his priorities have shifted since his playing days.
After retiring from professional football in 2013, Scholes became a familiar face on sports broadcasts, known for his sharp analysis and calm presence. But behind the camera, life was more complex. His son Aiden, diagnosed with severe autism at two and a half years old, requires a carefully structured daily routine. Scholes explained that every part of his current life now revolves around that routine — and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
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He described how, during his time covering the Europa League, he would often find Aiden distressed whenever their regular pattern was disrupted. “Last season, I’d do the Europa League on Thursday nights, and that’s usually when I have him,” Scholes said. “He’d get agitated, biting and scratching, because he knew the pattern wasn’t right. So I decided everything I do will be built around his day.”
Scholes and his ex-wife, Claire Froggatt, co-parent Aiden and share the week between them. Their son, who turns 21 in December, is non-verbal but communicates through sounds and routines that those close to him understand. “He doesn’t know what day of the week it is, but he knows from what we’re doing — swimming on Tuesdays, pizza after, Tesco on Sundays — exactly where he is in his week,” Scholes shared warmly.
The 50-year-old former midfielder also spoke about the challenges he faced during his playing career. He kept Aiden’s diagnosis private at the time, even from Sir Alex Ferguson, and recalled turning up to training sessions with bite or scratch marks from Aiden’s moments of frustration. “I never got a break from it, even when playing,” he admitted. “It was very hard in those days.”
Despite the emotional and physical demands, Scholes made it clear that his journey as a father has brought deep joy too. “Don’t get me wrong, he can be so happy it’s untrue,” he said. “It gives you great pleasure and joy — it’s not all bad.”
While he’s left live broadcasting, Scholes continues to stay connected to football through his new podcast with fellow ex-United player Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness. The format gives him the flexibility he needs — fitting perfectly around Aiden’s schedule.
In his words, “Everything I’m going to do now just works around him.” And that simple statement, from one of football’s quietest icons, captures a father’s love far louder than any commentary ever could.
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