Former Manchester United star Scott McTominay is said to have been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or just 12 months after leaving Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a stunning maiden campaign in Italy with Napoli, claiming the Serie A title and the Player of the Season award.
The Scottish international scored 12 goals while providing six assists as he guided the Azzurri to their second Scudetto in three years.
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His crowning moment came on the last game of the season when he scored the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Cagliari in spectacular fashion to secure the title on a dramatic final day.
Scott McTominay scored a tremendous volley during Napoli's final game of the season
|Getty
McTominay, who had a knack for finding the net during his United days, scored a superb acrobatic volley into the corner, ensuing jubilant scenes throughout the stadium.
Former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who was also sold by United, got on the scoresheet to double their lead.
Following his exploits on the pitch, Napoli president claimed McTominay could “become a future captain of the club”.
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Scott McTominay played a starring role for Napoli as they stormed to the Serie A title | GettyThe Scotsman’s starring role in Naples this year led to question marks over United's decision to sell him in the first place.
The Red Devils demanded a fee of just £25million, a fraction of what the midfielder is now worth.
Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated: “How you can sell Scott is beyond me.”
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Whereas Chelsea and Napoli icon Gianfranco Zola claimed: “He has made the difference. My friends in Manchester can’t believe they sold him like that and for that fee."
The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, with Lionel Messi the record-holder with eight trophies.
McTominay’s nomination indicates how much progress he has made in terms of his reputation within the sport over the last 12 months.
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Scott McTominay made 255 senior appearances for Manchester United
| PAThe midfielder is not the first player to enjoy pastures new after tricky spells at Old Trafford.
Antony left the club on a six-month loan deal to join Real Betis in January, firing them to the Conference League final.
The Brazilian scored 10 goals and provided five assists in the short spell despite scoring just five goals in the Premier League during his entire career at the Red Devils.
Anthony Elanga left the club to join Nottingham Forest, helping them secure a return to European football before then moving to Newcastle in a £55million deal.
Alvaro Carreras also left Old Trafford to join Benfica in the same window as McTominay for a fee of £12million, with the defender moving to Real Madrid this summer for £50million.