Scott McTominay shares how his time at Napoli has transformed him both on and off the pitch, helping him lead Scotland to the World Cup while playfully teasing his teammate Rasmus Hojlund. “I love the clothes here, man,” he remarked.
The midfielder, who represents Scotland, grew up in Manchester and developed through the Manchester United academy, but his career took off after a €30.5 million transfer to Napoli in 2024.
In his first season, he was honored as Serie A Player of the Year, clinched the Scudetto, and received a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
His second season was also impressive, as he won the Supercoppa Italiana and finished second in Serie A to Inter before leading Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998.
McTominay’s Transformation at Napoli
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Scott McTominay of Napoli SSC during the Serie A match against Parma Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 12, 2026. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting,” McTominay told British GQ. “Yet it’s a wonderful opportunity for growth.”
What contributed to the significant shift in his performance from Manchester United to Napoli?
“Playing consistently in my preferred No. 8 position, allowing me to both attack and defend, made a huge difference. I quickly felt at ease in my role. The manager and coaching staff have been instrumental in helping me develop and enhancing my understanding of the game,” he explained.
“It’s been about consistent effort. I just hope to showcase how my hard work can help a team win a league, which we achieved. Now, I’m eager to continue pushing my limits.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli walk the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium prior to facing Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 on September 17, 2025. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
When Napoli returned to Manchester for the Champions League clash against City, locals were surprised to see McTominay sporting a stylish new look.
“I really enjoy the fashion here. The way people dress and the quality of fabrics is something I have embraced. I like dressing well when I go out,” he explained. “I work with a tailor who helps me, and wearing nice clothes makes me feel good. I can’t control what others think, but I genuinely appreciate the style.”
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli at the Gran Galà Del Calcio AlC 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Sara Cavallini/Getty Images)
The Italian lifestyle has even influenced his hairstyle.
“Honestly, I’m not sure how it happened. I never intended to grow my hair to a specific length. I do need to thin it out and trim the ends, but while in Manchester, I frequently changed my hairstyle. Now, I’ve found a style I’m comfortable with, and I genuinely enjoy having longer hair—it’s much easier,” he shared.
Scotland secured their World Cup spot with an incredible overhead kick from McTominay against Hojlund’s Denmark, which has since been turned into a mural next to Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Hojlund, who played on the Danish side during that match, received some playful ribbing from his Napoli teammates. “We put up every picture from that game on his locker, Billy [Gilmour] and I,” McTominay recalled.