BREAKING: Scott McTominay Nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or: From Squad Player to World Elite
In one of the most unexpected but thoroughly deserved developments in recent football history, Scott McTominay has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or. At 28 years old, the Scottish midfielder has defied expectations and silenced critics, completing a remarkable transformation from rotational Manchester United player to a Serie A champion and one of the most impactful midfielders in European football.
With 48 appearances across all competitions and an impressive return of 16 goals, McTominay’s performances for Napoli in the 2024/25 season have earned him a place among football’s elite. His nomination marks his first ever inclusion on the prestigious list and is a moment of both personal triumph and professional validation.
This is the story of a player who never gave up, who evolved beyond the role many thought he was destined to fill, and who is now being recognised on football’s grandest individual stage.
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A Rocky Start at Manchester United
Scott McTominay’s journey to Ballon d’Or contention has been anything but straightforward. A product of the Manchester United academy, McTominay made his senior debut under José Mourinho in 2017. For years, he was seen by many as a utility player: hardworking, physical, and dependable—but not elite. Even as he racked up appearances, few could have predicted this level of evolution.
Under successive managers—Solskjær, Rangnick, and Ten Hag—McTominay often found himself in and out of the starting XI. While his commitment and work rate were never questioned, his technical limitations in a team striving for dominance in possession often held him back.
Yet in 2023/24, something began to shift. McTominay developed a knack for scoring big goals in big moments, particularly for Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying and for United in late-game scenarios. Still, it wasn’t until his transfer to Napoli in the summer of 2024 that his full potential truly flourished.
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The Napoli Move That Changed Everything
When McTominay signed for Napoli in July 2024, there was scepticism from all sides. Napoli, who had just lost several key midfielders, including Piotr Zieliński and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, were searching for a player with physical presence, tactical discipline, and attacking threat. McTominay fit the bill.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Under the guidance of manager Francesco Farioli, McTominay was given a more advanced midfield role—often operating as a box-to-box presence with freedom to break into the box. In this new environment, he thrived.
In Serie A, McTominay scored 11 goals, many of them decisive. His late runs into the box, aerial dominance, and improved finishing made him one of the most dangerous midfielders in the league. He added 5 more goals in European and domestic cup competitions, including crucial strikes in Napoli’s Europa League semi-final run.
But it wasn’t just goals. McTominay’s game matured immensely. His passing range improved, his defensive reading sharpened, and his leadership qualities came to the forefront. Napoli fans quickly adopted him as one of their own, and he became a key figure in the club’s 2025 Scudetto-winning campaign—Napoli’s second title in three seasons.
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International Stardom with Scotland
Parallel to his club success, McTominay continued to shine for Scotland, who had a historic run in Euro 2024, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. McTominay was Scotland’s top scorer in qualifying and a driving force in midfield throughout the tournament.
His performances, including a memorable goal against France and a dominant display against the Netherlands, raised his international stock even further. For a player once criticised for being too safe or one-dimensional, he had now become Scotland’s heartbeat.
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The Ballon d’Or Nomination: A Testament to Hard Work
McTominay’s inclusion in the Ballon d’Or shortlist is more than a personal milestone—it’s a testament to persistence, adaptability, and evolution. While many of the other nominees boast more flair or fame, few have travelled a road as tough as McTominay’s.
The numbers speak for themselves:
48 appearances
16 goals
Serie A title
Europa League semi-finalist
Euro 2024 quarter-finalist with Scotland
But what elevates McTominay’s case is the context. He wasn’t a starlet handed every opportunity. He wasn’t protected by the system. He worked through every layer of adversity, from being benched at Manchester United to being doubted at international level, and emerged not only relevant—but essential.
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Reaction from the Football World
The nomination has sent waves through the footballing community. Former Manchester United manager José Mourinho, who gave McTominay his debut, said:
“Scott is one of the best examples of a player who built his career through attitude and humility. I’m very proud of him.”
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis commented:
“When we signed Scott, we believed he could help us win. But what he gave us was far beyond expectations. He is a champion.”
Social media erupted with tributes, with even sceptics admitting that McTominay’s year had been “Ballon d’Or worthy.” Scotland manager Steve Clarke simply said:
“He deserves everything he’s getting. He’s the pride of our nation.”
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What This Means for McTominay’s Legacy
At 28, McTominay has entered the prime of his career. Whether or not he wins the Ballon d’Or—which is likely to be dominated by the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior—his nomination alone changes his legacy.
He will no longer be seen as just a squad player or a limited role player. McTominay is now cemented in footballing history as one of the best-performing players in the world for the 2024/25 season.
Moreover, he’s an inspiration to every young footballer told they’re “not good enough” or “not technical enough.” His story proves that with the right mentality, work ethic, and environment, even the most doubted players can rise to the very top.
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What’s Next for McTominay?
Interest in McTominay has exploded. Napoli are desperate to renew his contract and fend off interest from Premier League giants—including a rumoured push from his former club Manchester United, who may look to bring him back to Old Trafford under the INEOS-led rebuild.
For now, though, McTominay is focused. With the Champions League back on the agenda for Napoli, and Scotland aiming to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, he knows his work is far from over.
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Conclusion
Scott McTominay’s Ballon d’Or nomination is more than a recognition of one brilliant season—it’s a celebration of perseverance. In an age of flash and flair, his rise is a reminder that football still rewards those who grind, who evolve, and who believe in themselves when few others do.
From Carrington academy hopeful to Serie A champion. From squad player to international leader. From overlooked to elite.
It’s Scott McTominay’s moment—and the football world is finally taking notice.
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