Scott McTominay admits it's "difficult to talk about" his stunning overhead kick that sealed Scotland's World Cup qualification, but he's surprisingly open about another — one he believes was even better.
The Napoli midfielder, 29, revealed that during a training session in Saudi Arabia shortly after his iconic Hampden goal, he executed a similar bicycle kick that he claims surpassed the original.
"It was better. It was higher," McTominay told BBC Sport Scotland. "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'."
His Napoli teammate Billy Gilmour, present in Saudi Arabia, missed the moment due to treatment but heard all about it. "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. "I still need to see the video for proof..."
The pair spoke with BBC Sport Scotland in Naples, reflecting on their journey since November 2024. Since then, they've won a Serie A title, secured Champions League football, and helped Scotland qualify for the World Cup.
McTominay's famous strike came in a 4-2 win over Denmark, propelling Scotland to their first men's World Cup in 28 years. The moment is now immortalized in a Glasgow mural, but the Ballon d'Or nominee feels "big-headed" discussing it.
Gilmour, however, is happy to praise his friend: "He doesn't give himself enough credit. The goals for Napoli last season, even with Scotland in tough moments, it's Scott who got us the win. Kids look up to him, but Scott is already focused on the next game."
Both players have made a huge impact in Naples since moving from Manchester United and Brighton in 2024. McTominay's second bicycle kick of the year — in a title-clinching match against Cagliari — earned him a Ballon d'Or nomination, joining the ranks of legends like Ronaldo, Kaka, and Zidane.