In the world of football, some goals are so special they become etched in history. For Scott McTominay, one such moment came when he scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick for Scotland against Denmark—a strike so iconic it now adorns a massive mural on a Glasgow building. But here's the twist: the Manchester United academy graduate insists he's topped it with an even better effort in training.
Speaking with BBC Sport Scotland in Naples, alongside fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour, McTominay opened up about that unforgettable night at Hampden Park. The goal, which required a gravity-defying leap of 2.53 meters, set Scotland on course for a 4-2 victory and secured their first men's World Cup qualification in 28 years. Yet the 29-year-old midfielder, now plying his trade with Napoli, admits he finds it "difficult to talk about" because he doesn't want to come across as "big-headed."
What he's more willing to discuss, however, is a training-ground moment in Saudi Arabia that he believes outshone even that historic strike. "It was better. It was higher," McTominay said with a mix of pride and regret. "I hate to say it, but I beat it, and it was in training. I'm devastated. As soon as it happened, I was thinking, 'I should have saved it for a game.'"
Unfortunately for those eager to see the evidence, Gilmour missed the magic. The Chelsea loanee was in the treatment room at the time and only heard about it afterward. "I came outside, and Scott says, 'Bill, you won't believe it—I've just scored exactly the same overhead kick but better,'" Gilmour recalled with a grin. "I still need to see the video for proof!"
The duo's chat in Naples comes after a whirlwind period for both players. Since their last meeting in November 2024, McTominay and Gilmour have experienced a Serie A title triumph, Champions League football, and, of course, World Cup qualification. McTominay's heroics against Denmark remain a defining moment, but the Ballon d'Or nominee prefers to let his actions speak louder than words.
Gilmour, however, is more than happy to sing his teammate's praises. Having been an injured fan in the stands that night at Hampden, he knows firsthand how crucial McTominay's contributions have been. "He doesn't give himself enough credit for what he's done, for sure," Gilmour said. "The goals for Napoli last season, even with Scotland in tough moments—it's always Scott stepping up."
Whether it's a match-winning overhead kick or a training-ground masterpiece that only a select few witnessed, McTominay's talent for the spectacular is undeniable. And for fans of the beautiful game, that's something worth celebrating—especially when it comes to the gear that helps make those moments possible.
