Scotland’s McTominay Nominated for Ballon d’Or: A Historic Moment
Scott McTominay has etched his name in football history after being nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Scottish player to make the shortlist in nearly four decades. The Napoli midfielder, who left Manchester United last year in a £25 million move, has been recognized for his stellar performances in Serie A, where he played a pivotal role in Napoli’s title triumph.
A Landmark Achievement for Scottish Football
The last Scot to be nominated for the prestigious award was Rangers legend Ally McCoist back in 1987, making McTominay’s inclusion a monumental moment for Scottish football. The 28-year-old enjoyed a standout season at Napoli, scoring 12 goals in 34 league appearances and being named Serie A’s Player of the Year. His relentless work rate, technical ability, and leadership on the pitch have earned him a place among football’s elite.
The Road to the Ballon d’Or Shortlist
McTominay’s journey to the Ballon d’Or nomination is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After spending over a decade at Manchester United, where he was often deployed in various midfield roles, his switch to Napoli allowed him to flourish in a more advanced position. His knack for crucial goals, defensive contributions, and midfield dominance caught the attention of fans and pundits alike, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders.
Who Are McTominay’s Biggest Competitors?
The race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is fiercely contested. Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé, fresh off a Champions League-winning campaign, is seen as a frontrunner. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and teammate Raphinha pose strong challenges after securing La Liga glory under Hansi Flick.
Other notable nominees include Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres, and Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, and Mohamed Salah. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is the only other Premier League representative, marking a competitive field for football’s highest individual honor.
Ballon d’Or Nominees for 2025
– Ousmane Dembélé (Paris St-Germain)
– Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St-Germain)
– Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
– Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
– Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
– Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
– Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
– Scott McTominay (Napoli)
– Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
(Full list available in original article)
Other Awards and Nominations
Beyond the Ballon d’Or, several additional accolades will be handed out during the ceremony, including:
– Johan Cruyff Trophy (Best Coach): Antonio Conte (Napoli), Luis Enrique (PSG), Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
– Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
– Kopa Trophy (Best U21 Player): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Desire Doué (PSG), Estevão (Chelsea)
What This Means for McTominay’s Legacy
Despite the stiff competition, McTominay’s nomination alone is a historic feat. He has not only elevated his game to world-class levels but has also reignited Scottish football’s presence on the global stage. Whether he lifts the trophy or not, his inclusion speaks volumes about his impact at Napoli and his growing stature in the sport.
Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Scotland
Scott McTominay’s Ballon d’Or nomination is more than an individual achievement—it’s a celebration of perseverance and a beacon of inspiration for young Scottish talents. As football fans await the winner’s announcement on September 22, one thing is certain: McTominay has already made his nation proud.
Will he defy the odds and bring the prestigious award back to Scotland? Only time will tell, but for now, his nomination is a victory in itself.
