McTominay stars in two shades of blue

There are career moments that redefine players’ trajectories and push them towards greatness. For Scott McTominay, 2025 was the beginning of that transformation. Following a few disappointing seasons with Manchester United, the Scotland midfielder joined Napoli in August 2024. It was a difficult decision for McTominay to leave his boyhood club, but the Neapolitans welcomed him with open arms and provided the ideal stage for his talent.

Antonio Conte was central to his No7 taking Serie A by storm. The Italian placed McTominay at the heart of his tactical set-up, handing him greater attacking responsibility and a leading role in the side. The result? McTominay ended 2024/25 with 12 league goals, another in the Coppa Italia, and as a firm fan favourite. However, it wasn’t just the individual numbers, which were the best of his career, that underlined his performances. The Serie A title and its Player of the Season award cemented McTominay’s place in Napoli’s history.

Affectionately named ‘McFratm’ by the Partenopei, 6ft 3ins player has taken on almost iconic status in the city thanks to his suave off-the-pitch looks and commanding performances on it. McTominay also dazzled in the darker blue of his country, grabbing the winner as they edged Belarus in FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifying in October. Scotland went into their final game needing to beat Denmark to pip their opponents to European Group C’s automatic ticket to the finals, and McTominay stepped up with a moment of brilliance: an overhead kick that has already been etched into folklore.

Ross MacDonald’s photograph of his work of art was temporarily displayed at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh – a testament to the cultural and footballing significance of that moment for Scotland. Just a few months earlier, the midfielder had scored another decisive bicycle kick to seal Napoli the Scudetto on the final day.

McTominay’s 2025 did not, however, end on that unforgettable night in Glasgow. He was, thereafter, named the Scotland Men’s Player of the Year. “Napoli is surreal,” McTominay told CBS Sports Golazo. “You really feel the love from the fans. Winning the Scudetto, with all that came with it, and qualifying for the World Cup with Scotland was fantastic. I am grateful to everyone who was part of it.” McTominay is already looking forward to the biggest year of his career. The 29-year-old is determined to power Napoli to more silverware and help Scotland thrive at their first World Cup in 28 years.