Life is good for Scott McTominay right now.
Two years after leaving Manchester United following a 22-year association that began when he was five, the midfielder is preparing to represent Scotland at their first World Cup since 1998.
McTominay is a key figure for the Tartan Army, and arrives in the USA, Canada and Mexico after a transformative couple of seasons with Napoli.
Loved in southern Italy and living there with partner Cam Reading, his profile has also soared in his homeland, particularly after his stunning overhead kick against Denmark last November that helped secure Scotland’s place at this summer’s tournament.
Alongside the likes of John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, he is part of a side that hopes to reach the knockout stages at a major tournament for the first time in the country’s history.
When McTominay decided to leave United in the summer of 2024, having spent his entire career at the club, he admitted it was a difficult decision but one he had to make to ‘look out for number one’.
Scott McTominay, pictured with partner Cam Reading, is loving life in Italy after joining Napoli from Manchester United two years ago
McTominay helped Napoli win the Serie A title in 2024-25 and he is loved by their supporters
It is a gamble that has paid off spectacularly.
McTominay starred as Napoli won the Serie A title in 2024-25 for just the fourth time in history.
Under Antonio Conte, he evolved from a dependable squad player at Old Trafford into one of Europe’s most effective box-crashing midfielders, scoring 12 Serie A goals and earning the division’s MVP award.
He also came 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, ahead of players including Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Michael Olise.
McTominay repeatedly delivered in big moments, none more so than on the final day of the season when an acrobatic strike put Napoli ahead as they clinched the title over Inter Milan.
His impact prompted comparisons with Napoli icon Diego Maradona, with the Argentine’s son even likening the Scot to Jesus.
But it is not only McTominay’s exploits on the pitch that have won over supporters.
McTominay has embraced life in Naples and immersed himself in Neapolitan culture, while also learning to speak Italian.
On the day of his medical, he asked to visit the club’s home, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, to pay his respects to the Argentine legend.
He also went viral in April 2025 after hailing the quality of local tomatoes.
‘Oh my goodness, the tomatoes,’ he said. ‘Bellissimo. I never ate them at home, they are just red water.
‘Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It’s incredible.’
Moments like this helped McTominay earn the endearing nickname ‘McFratm’, with ‘Fratm’ meaning ‘my brother’ in local slang.
His face has appeared on murals, flags and even birthday cakes, while supporters erected a shrine to him in Naples city centre after the 2025 title triumph.
McTominay, pictured with Scotland and Napoli team-mate Billy Gilmour, has embraced local Neapolitan culture
The Scot starred as Napoli won the Serie A title for just the fourth time in their history in 2025
Fans have given him the endearing nickname ‘McFratm’, meaning ‘my brother’ in local slang
At the time, local journalist Vincenzo Credendino told BBC Sport: ‘Napoli fans could not be happier – he is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game.
‘This is something the fans appreciate a lot, as they liked his kiss on the shirt in the match against Palermo in September and the fact he is learning Italian and even Neapolitan.’
Supporters have also embraced McTominay’s frequent praise of the city and their fans, whom he described as the team’s ‘heartbeat’ and among the best he has ever played for.
McTominay’s developments as a player have also been accompanied with a new look, with the Napoli star growing out his hair and getting into Italian fashion.
‘I love the clothes here, man,’ he told GQ earlier this week. ‘The clothes, the way that people dress, and the fabrics that they use. I’ve enjoyed getting used to that sort of life of presenting yourself really, really well.
‘And whenever I go out, wearing something nice with not too many logos and stuff like that. I have a tailor who helps me out.
‘Whenever you wear the clothes, you feel good, and it’s nice to be like that. Obviously, whatever the people say about what I wear, I can’t really control that. I just really do like the clothes.’
On his new hairstyle, he added: ‘I actually don’t know what happened there. I never once thought, “I’m going to grow this to a certain length,” or whatever.
‘Obviously, it needs thinning out and the ends need cutting. But when I was in Manchester, I changed my hair quite often, whereas now I’ve found something that I feel comfortable with, and I actually enjoy having longer hair. It’s a lot easier, to be honest.’
McTominay’s stunning overhead kick which helped secure World Cup qualification for Scotland has been immortalised on the side of a building in Glasgow
A commemorative £20 note also featured McTominay’s memorable goal from last year
McTominay’s growing popularity has been reflected back home, although Scotland supporters have long appreciated his contribution to a side that has now qualified for three of the past four major tournaments.
His overhead kick in the play-off against Denmark has been immortalised as a mural on the side in Glasgow, and was even featured on a commemorative £20 note to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup.
Only 100 were printed as part of an attempt to raise money for charity, but it was another sign of McTominay’s growing stature.
‘Moments like that belong to everyone who follows the team,’ McTominay said of the banknote. ‘So seeing my goal featured on a Scottish banknote feels incredibly special.’
McTominay’s credits much of his transformation to relaxing more as has grown older and focusing on enjoying life with family and friends.
Scotland’s hopes this summer will rest heavily on his shoulders. Yet after thriving outside of Manchester, few would bet against him continuing his remarkable rise.
‘Whenever you come out of your comfort zone, it’s a scary place,’ McTominay added in that GQ interview. ‘But it’s also a beautiful place, because it gives you room to grow.’
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