NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay collapse for joy after helping Napoli to win the Serie A title. He scored a brilliant acrobatic volley, his 12th goal of the season, during the match against Cagliari, sealing a 2-0 victory that ensured they finished ahead of Inter Milan to clinch the trophy.
The 28-year-old McTominay was honored as Serie A’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2024-25 season shortly after the match. ‘I’m lost for words. It’s incredible, you know the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause,’ he said. ‘The people deserve it; they’ve been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream.’
Last summer, McTominay made the bold choice to leave Manchester United, a club he had been with for over 20 years. His transfer, reportedly around £25.7 million, now looks like a steal for Napoli. His former coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even questioned how a player of McTominay’s caliber could be sold.
In contrast, United is currently struggling under coach Ruben Amorim, enduring their worst season since the mid-1970s. McTominay’s former teammate, Don Hutchison, commented on his success, stating, ‘He looks like he is loving life. It’s going to Napoli and having the confidence of the manager that has taken him up tenfold.’
The move to Napoli wasn’t guaranteed at first. The club had its sights set on a different player, Frosinone’s Marco Brescianini, who was in line for a medical before things changed. McTominay’s unexpected arrival has turned into a fortuitous twist for both him and Napoli.
With 12 goals in 34 Serie A games and additional performances in the Coppa Italia, McTominay has thrived in his attacking midfield role under manager Antonio Conte. Contrastingly, during his time at United, he often played a more defensive position. ‘He’s not a builder; he’s a raider,’ Naples journalist Vincenzo Credendino noted, illustrating how McTominay has excelled in his preferred role.
His leadership also shone through during critical moments. He pulled teammate Amir Rrahmani away from a potentially heated altercation during the match against Cagliari, showcasing his growing influence within the team.
In Naples, the fans have embraced McTominay wholeheartedly. He has gained nicknames like McFratm, McTerminator, and MacGyver, with many fans treating him as a local hero. McTominay’s open affection for the city, including his enjoyment of local cuisine like the region’s famed tomatoes, has further endeared him to supporters.
A shrine dedicated to McTominay even emerged in San Nicola a Nilo, symbolizing the affection of Napoli fans. Credendino further emphasized his impact, stating, ‘He is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game.’
McTominay is now part of a historic moment for Scottish football, as he and his teammate Billy Gilmour are among the few Scots to have ever won an Italian title, expanding the legacy alongside legends from the past.
