How former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay followed in footsteps of Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

React to this story

Scott McTominay added to his growing list of honours as he was named as the Serie A Player of the Year following a stellar debut season in Italy. The 28-year-old captured the Scudetto in his first season, becoming a pivotal player in Antonio Conte's side, and now follows in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic

'Who else?' - McTominay pounces to give Napoli the breakthrough

Video credit: TNT Sports

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay was crowned the Serie A Player of the Year after a stunning 2025 saw him capture the Scudetto.

The former Manchester United player won the accolade at the Gran Gala del Calcio awards on Monday evening, where he was also named in the league's Team of the Year.

He delivered a 13-word statement after receiving the honour, and made it clear he has no regrets about leaving his boyhood club.

Serie A

From McFratm to England’s strike force: Which British players will star in Europe’s top leagues?

01/08/2026 at 11:39

"Coming to Napoli was an easy choice. I came to the right place," he said.

Since joining the Italian giants in the summer of 2024, he has developed into one of Napoli's key players and was pivotal in helping them claim the 2024/25 Serie A title, their second in three seasons.

His memorable strike on the final day in a 2-0 win over Cagliari famously secured the title for Antonio Conte's side.

‘What a finish!’ – McTominay fires Napoli ahead with sublime volley

Video credit: TNT Sports

He was the first Scotsman to win the award since its inception in 1997, and now sits alongside iconic names such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Zinedine Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo as winners of the prize.

At the end of a sensational debut season, McTominay was also named as the Serie A's Most Valuable Player, and twice won the Goal of the Month award.

He was also ranked in 18th place in the 2025 Ballon d'Or list, becoming the first Scottish player to be nominated for the award in 38 years.

Last month, another act of heroism saw him add to his growing catalogue of highlights, as a breath-taking overhead kick in a 4-2 win over Denmark helped send Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998.

Both McTominay and his international team-mate Billy Gilmour joined the club on summer deadline day in 2024.

McTominay broke Denis Law's 63-year record for the most goals scored by a Scotsman in a single Serie A season when he scored 12 league goals for Napoli last term.

His departure from United could have been partly due to the impact of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) on clubs’ inclinations to let go of homegrown talent.

Then-United manager Erik ten Hag bemoaned that fact, and called the transfer "not the right thing to do".

"He was so important for our team, he was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it's the rules," said Ten Hag.

"You have to discuss the rules to do sales and obviously homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.

"It's not the right thing to do but for everyone, for all parts, it's a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player but also for us."

How many Serie A football matches are on TNT Sports?

Two Serie A matches per matchday week will be broadcast on TNT Sports.

Which Serie A matches are on TNT Sports?

For the latest information and timings on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

And for the full Serie A schedule, click here.

How do I watch Serie A live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

Stream the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Bayern say selling Olise and Diaz 'would be stupid' - Euro Transfer News

28/07/2026 at 19:20

Football

Zidane reveals he turned down several club offers for 'dream' France job

28/07/2026 at 12:02