Paul Scholes (foto: Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has shared an emotional birthday message to his non-verbal autistic son Aiden, revealing how fatherhood reshaped his career and daily life.
Paul Scholes has shared a deeply emotional message to his son Aiden as he celebrated his 21st birthday, offering a rare and personal insight into life as a father to a non-verbal autistic child.
The Manchester United legend marked the occasion with a simple but powerful post on social media.
“Happy 21st birthday to our special boy. Wish you knew how much we all love you.”
Scholes has spoken openly in recent months about caring for Aiden, explaining how his son’s needs have reshaped his professional and personal priorities.
The former England midfielder stepped away from his role with TNT Sports, where he regularly covered Europa League matches, to spend more time with his son and maintain the routine Aiden relies on.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Scholes explained why he made the decision.
“I made a decision this year because of Aiden, obviously due to his special needs,” he said. “All the work I do now is just around his routines because he has quite a strict routine every single day.”
Scholes revealed that his Thursday-night commitments had begun to take a toll on Aiden.
“Last season on Thursday nights I’d do the Europa League for Man United — that’s the night I’d usually have him,” he explained. “He was getting agitated, biting and scratching. He knows the pattern’s not there straight away.”
The former midfielder admitted the decision had been weighing on him for years.
“I always thought I’ve got to stop this at some point,” Scholes said. “So when I had the chance to do the podcast, I thought that would suit me more — well, not me, Aiden.”
Scholes now structures all his work commitments around his son’s daily schedule, ensuring stability and familiarity.
The United icon shares custody of Aiden with his ex-wife Claire. The couple also have two other children, Arron, 25, and Alicia, 24.
While Scholes has always been known for his quiet, no-nonsense approach during his playing career, his recent comments and birthday message have revealed a deeply personal side — one defined by love, patience and devotion far beyond football.