Scott McTominay’s Stunning Rise to Ballon d’Or Contender
It’s not every day you hear a Scotsman’s name mentioned alongside football’s elite—especially when it comes to the Ballon d’Or. But this year, 2025, has delivered one of those rare and remarkable moments. Scott McTominay, the once-criticized midfielder from Manchester United, is now nominated for football’s most prestigious individual award after a sensational season with Napoli.
McTominay’s move to Italy raised eyebrows at first. After years of inconsistent performances and limited opportunities at Old Trafford, he was allowed to leave Manchester United last summer in a £25 million deal. Fast forward just one season, and that move now looks like a masterstroke—not just for Napoli, but for McTominay himself.
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At 28 years old, McTominay played a key role in Napoli’s triumphant Serie A campaign, a season in which the club secured their first league title since the Maradona era. Not only was he an engine in midfield, but he also showed a surprising goal-scoring touch, netting 12 times in 34 appearances. His performances earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award and, now, a historic Ballon d’Or nomination—making him the first Scottish player on the shortlist since Ally McCoist in 1987.
This nomination is more than just a personal achievement; it's a symbol of transformation. Once seen as a squad player, McTominay is now being mentioned in the same breath as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Jude Bellingham. His rise has also breathed new life into Scottish football fans’ dreams of seeing one of their own recognized on the world stage again.
Of course, the competition is fierce. Ousmane Dembélé is a front-runner after helping PSG to their first Champions League title, scoring a career-high 35 goals. Meanwhile, young sensations like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and consistent performers like Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior are also in the running.
But McTominay’s journey stands out—not just because of the stats, but because of the story. He was counted out, let go by his boyhood club, and landed in a league known for its tactical challenges and fierce competition. Yet, he didn’t just adapt—he excelled.
As the football world awaits the announcement on September 22nd, one thing is certain: Scott McTominay’s name has already been etched into the conversation of greatness, proving that with the right opportunity, even the most unlikely stars can shine brightest.
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