Some goals are so special they become part of football folklore. For Scott McTominay, his astonishing overhead kick for Scotland against Denmark is one of those moments—a strike so crucial it earned a permanent spot on a giant mural in Glasgow. But here's the twist: the Napoli midfielder believes he's actually scored an even better one.

Speaking with BBC Sport Scotland in Naples, the 29-year-old opened up about the goal that helped secure Scotland's first men's World Cup qualification in 28 years. That night at Hampden, McTominay somehow executed a 2.53-meter leap to connect with a perfectly timed overhead kick, sparking an epic 4-2 win. It's a moment that still feels surreal to the Ballon d'Or nominee. "I find it difficult to talk about," he admits, wary of sounding "big-headed."

But while the Denmark goal is immortalized in art, McTominay is quick to share a lesser-known story. During a training session in Saudi Arabia, shortly after that iconic night, he replicated the move—only better. "It was higher," he says with a mix of pride and regret. "I hate to say it, but I beat it. As soon as it happened, I was thinking, 'I should have saved it for a game.'"

His Napoli teammate Billy Gilmour, who was in the treatment room at the time, missed the moment entirely. "I came outside and Scott says, 'Bill, you won't believe it, I've just scored exactly the same overhead kick but better,'" Gilmour recalls with a laugh. "I still need to see the video for proof..."

The pair have plenty to celebrate beyond training-ground heroics. Since their last chat in November 2024, Napoli have clinched a Serie A title, secured Champions League football, and both players are now gearing up for this summer's World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. McTominay's Denmark strike was the catalyst for that dream run.

Gilmour, who watched the Hampden drama from the stands while injured, is quick to champion his teammate. "He doesn't give himself enough credit," says the 24-year-old. "The goals for Napoli last season, even with Scotland in tough moments—it's Scott who gets us the win or the goal. Kids look up to him, idolize him. But Scott is already focused on the next game. He always wants something new, something better."

For fans of the beautiful game, it's a reminder that greatness isn't just about the moments we see on the biggest stages—it's also about the ones that happen when no one's watching.