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According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 29, 2026, former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has named Paul Scholes as the best footballer he ever played alongside, ranking the former England international ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Tevez made the revelation during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand Presents, a podcast hosted by his former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand.
During the conversation, Ferdinand asked the Argentine to choose between Scholes and former Manchester City midfielder David Silva. Tevez immediately selected the United legend, praising his quality and performances in training.
Scholes. For me the best player. For me the best player Do you remember at training. Like this, no speak, nothing. First ball.
All the time at training, pass, pass pass For me the best,” Tevez said.
His comments are notable because he played alongside several world class footballers during his career, including Ronaldo at Manchester United and Messi with Argentina.
Tevez joined United from West Ham United in 2007 and spent two seasons at Old Trafford. During that period, he won six trophies and helped the club secure back to back Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League.
United defeated Chelsea on penalties in the Champions League final in Moscow, with Scholes playing an important role in the team's success during that era.
The former midfielder was widely admired for his passing, technical ability and understanding of the game. He spent his entire senior club career at Manchester United, making 499 Premier League appearances, scoring 107 goals and providing 55 assists.
Scholes won 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies before retiring in 2013.
Although Ronaldo and Messi have achieved remarkable success and collected numerous individual awards, Tevez's comments highlight the lasting impression Scholes made on him during their time together at Manchester United.