Just half an hour ago, the family of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, aged 50, delivered urgent and heartbreaking news to fans worldwide: his lung transplant has failed, and he is now in critical condition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the football world. Supporters from Manchester to Madrid, from Riyadh to Rio, are reeling as they process the possibility that one of football’s most admired midfielders is fighting for his life.
A Fighter On and Off the Pitch
Paul Scholes, known affectionately as “Scholesy,” built his career as the beating heart of Manchester United’s midfield. With 718 appearances, 155 goals, and 11 Premier League titles, he became a symbol of loyalty, humility, and world-class talent.
After retiring in 2013, he remained deeply connected to the game, working as a pundit and mentor for young players. Fans often praised him not only for his footballing brilliance but also for his quiet, grounded personality off the pitch.
Scholes had traveled to Riyadh several months ago to undergo a complex lung transplant procedure. Close sources say he had long struggled with respiratory complications, but the full extent of his illness was kept private out of respect for his family’s wishes.
Initially, the surgery appeared successful. Updates from his medical team suggested cautious optimism. However, late last night, complications emerged. Despite intensive efforts from doctors, his body reportedly rejected the new lung, triggering a rapid decline.
At 9:00 AM Riyadh time, the family issued a somber statement
“With deep sadness, we confirm that Paul’s lung transplant has failed. He is receiving the best possible care, and we ask for prayers, respect, and privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Reactions from the Football World
Within minutes of the announcement, tributes began pouring in.
- Former teammate Ryan Giggs tweeted: “Stay strong, brother. We are all with you.”
- Ex-captain Gary Neville wrote: “Paul Scholes is the greatest player I ever played with. Now he faces the biggest fight of his life. Sending love to him and his family.”
- Manchester United’s official account shared a photo of Scholes lifting the Premier League trophy with the caption: “Once a Red, always a Red. Our thoughts are with Paul and his loved ones.”
Fans gathered spontaneously outside Old Trafford, laying scarves, flowers, and handwritten notes beneath the “Holy Trinity” statue of Best, Law, and Charlton. Many wept openly, recalling memories of Scholes’ thunderous volleys and pinpoint passes.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in His Care
The decision to seek treatment in Riyadh had initially surprised many, but experts explained that Saudi Arabia has made significant advances in specialized transplant medicine. Scholes and his family had quietly relocated there earlier this year to pursue the procedure.
Family vacation packagesHospital officials in Riyadh have confirmed that their team is “doing everything in their power” to stabilize him, but they cautioned that the coming hours are “extremely critical.”
Memories of a Legend
As news spread, fans and pundits alike shared stories that captured Scholes’ essence.
- Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed him for nearly two decades, once famously said: “For me, he was the best. A player who could dictate the tempo of a match like no one else.”
- Spanish legend Xavi Hernández called him “the best central midfielder of the last 20 years.”
- Former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo once admitted: “I learned from Scholes every day in training. He was a genius.”
Even rivals admired him. Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo once confessed: “When I play against Scholes, I always feel I am learning.”
Now, those same voices are united in hope that the man they admired on the pitch finds the strength to survive off it.
Fan Reaction Worldwide
On social media, hashtags like #PrayForScholes, #StayStrongScholesy, and #UnitedLegend began trending globally within an hour of the news.
