McTominay Scored Better Overhead Kick Than His World Cup Qualifier Wonder Goal

Scott McTominay scored an overhead kick in Napoli training that was "better" and "higher" than the 2.53-metre leap that secured Scotland's World Cup qualification against Denmark.

The 29-year-old midfielder made the revelation to BBC Sport Scotland while discussing the goal that has been immortalised in a Glasgow mural and changed Scottish football history. His modesty about the Denmark strike contrasts sharply with his casual admission that he bettered it weeks later in Saudi Arabia.

The Goal That Topped The Goal That Changed Scottish Football

McTominay finds it "difficult to talk about" his overhead kick against Denmark, the goal that set Scotland on course for their first men's World Cup in 28 years. Yet he readily admits to surpassing it during a Napoli training camp.

It was better. It was higher. 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.'

The Training Ground Masterpiece

The training goal occurred in Saudi Arabia during Napoli's preparation camp. Team-mate Billy Gilmour was receiving treatment at the time but heard about it immediately.

I came outside and Scott says 'Bill, you won't believe it, I've just scored exactly the same overhead kick but better.' I still need to see the video for proof...

The original Denmark goal required a 2.53-metre leap, making McTominay's claim that he jumped even higher in training all the more remarkable.

From Manchester to Naples: How Two Scots Conquered Serie A

Both McTominay and Gilmour moved to Napoli in summer 2024, leaving Manchester United and Brighton respectively. Their impact has been immediate and profound.

McTominay's Italian Masterclass

The midfielder's achievements in his debut Serie A season read like fantasy:

• Won the Serie A title with Napoli
• Scored another bicycle kick to clinch the championship against Cagliari
• Nominated for the Ballon d'Or
• Voted Italian Player of the Season, joining Ronaldo, Kaka, Pirlo and Zidane
• Immortalised in murals in both Glasgow and Naples' Spanish Quarter

Gilmour's Quiet Excellence

While McTominay grabs headlines, Gilmour has proven himself a key part of Antonio Conte's midfield. His team-mate's assessment reveals the depth of his contribution.

He doesn't give himself enough credit for what he's done, for sure. The goals for Napoli last season, even with Scotland in the tough moments it is Scott who has got us the win or the goal.

The pair's friendship has deepened in Italy, with BBC Sport Scotland capturing them cooking risotto together and discussing their World Cup dreams.

World Cup Dreams Built on Modesty and Bicycle Kicks

McTominay's discomfort discussing his Denmark goal reveals the mentality driving Scotland's World Cup qualification. Despite being "extremely grateful" for the Glasgow mural, he feels "big-headed" talking about it.

The Gilmour Perspective

Gilmour, who watched the Denmark match injured from the Hampden stands, provides crucial context about his team-mate's impact.

Kids look up to him, idolise him, but Scott is already focused on the next game. He always wants something new, something better.

This relentless drive has transformed both players into Serie A champions and Scotland's key men for their first World Cup since 1998.

Italian Adoration

Napoli fans, who follow their team with "almost religious fervour", have embraced what both Scots bring. McTominay's mural in the Spanish Quarter stands as testament to his immediate impact, while both players have become integral to Conte's title-winning system.

What Happens Next

Scotland's World Cup preparations now centre on two players who have conquered Serie A and proven themselves among Europe's elite. McTominay's nomination for the Ballon d'Or and status as Italian Player of the Season provide Scotland with genuine world-class quality.

The revelation that he can casually better one of international football's great goals in training suggests Scotland arrive at their first World Cup in 28 years with players operating at unprecedented levels. For a nation built on modesty and hard work, having two Serie A champions who cook risotto together while dreaming of World Cup glory perfectly captures this golden moment in Scottish football.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did McTominay score his overhead kick against Denmark?

McTominay scored his iconic overhead kick against Denmark in November 2025 at Hampden Park. The goal came in a 4-2 victory that secured Scotland's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, their first men's tournament in 28 years.

How high did McTominay jump for his Denmark overhead kick?

McTominay jumped 2.53 metres to execute his overhead kick against Denmark. He claims to have jumped even higher when scoring a similar goal in Napoli training in Saudi Arabia shortly after.

What has McTominay won at Napoli?

McTominay won the Serie A title in his first season at Napoli after joining from Manchester United in summer 2024. He was also voted Italian Player of the Season and received a Ballon d'Or nomination, scoring another bicycle kick to clinch the title against Cagliari.

Are McTominay and Gilmour friends at Napoli?

Yes, McTominay and Gilmour are close friends who have grown even closer since joining Napoli together in 2024. They cook risotto together and both have been key players in Napoli's Serie A title success under Antonio Conte.

Will McTominay start for Scotland at the World Cup?

McTominay will almost certainly start for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup given his crucial role in qualification and exceptional form at Napoli. As a Ballon d'Or nominee and Serie A champion, he represents Scotland's most high-profile player heading into the tournament.