Scott McTominay is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup after what has been the most defining season of his football journey, highlighted by a Scudetto triumph and a new chapter in Naples. The Scotland midfielder took a well-deserved break with his partner Cam Reading before linking up with his national teammates for the global tournament.

Life as the King of Naples

Since moving from Manchester to southern Italy in the summer of 2024, McTominay has experienced a remarkable transformation. Once considered a rotational player at Old Trafford, he has now become the driving force for his Serie A club, guiding them to a historic league victory. His influence has been so significant that supporters in Naples have wholeheartedly embraced him, while his partner, Cam Reading, has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Italy” from the passionate Napoli fans.

As he prepares to represent Scotland at the 2026 World Cup, McTominay opted for a sun-drenched vacation with his girlfriend before the tournament began. The couple enjoyed some downtime together, capturing moments from their holiday before the Scotland star resumed his preparations for the biggest stage in football.

The result of a “recovery geek”

The 2024–25 season saw McTominay reach a level few anticipated when he left the Premier League. He was named Serie A’s Player of the Season and even secured a surprising Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing ahead of renowned names like Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham. His outstanding performance is no coincidence — it stems from his self-proclaimed “recovery geek” attitude, embracing red light therapy and blue light-blocking glasses to maintain peak fitness levels.

Despite collecting numerous personal honours, McTominay remains humble and grounded, holding fast to the values nurtured in him through Manchester United’s academy during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. His relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering discipline are qualities he intends to carry into his World Cup campaign this summer.

The obsession with high performance

McTominay’s World Cup preparation mirrors the precision he brings to his tactical work under Antonio Conte. “I’ve always taken pride in being extremely fit and wanting to play football for as long as possible,” he said. “I think that’s fundamental.” Even during his downtime, the midfielder focuses on the small details that have turned him into one of the most complete box-to-box players in the modern game.

In a recent interview, McTominay arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule — a reflection of the discipline that has made him a manager’s favourite throughout his career. “We’ve finished training for today, so I’m just relaxing before our next match,” he shared during the conversation. For him, every period of rest is a strategic part of ensuring he can command the midfield for the full 90 minutes.

Adapting to a new culture

McTominay’s success in Italy extends beyond the football pitch. He has also immersed himself in the cultural life of his new home. Under the demanding yet supportive guidance of Antonio Conte, he has been learning to adjust both tactically and culturally. Although he admits that mastering the language has been difficult, he approaches it with the same determination that defines his fitness and training routines.

Reflecting on the linguistic challenge, McTominay commented, “Italian is not easy, because I speak fast. But when I listen to people speaking Italian, they talk even faster! I’ve picked up some phrases during training sessions, at the hotel, and around the city.” With the World Cup fast approaching, the man hailed as a “new leader” in Naples is ready to showcase that same leadership and energy on football’s grandest stage.