Scotland’s Midfielder John McGinn: From Almost Moving to America to World Cup Stardom

From almost signing with Houston Dynamo to leading Aston Villa to European glory, John McGinn's journey is nothing short of remarkable.

In the lead-up to the World Cup, seeing players’ faces on sticker books is a common sight. However, seeing them immortalized on the sides of houses is a bit more unusual. Three members of the current Scotland squad have achieved this unique honor, with John McGinn being the latest addition.

Alongside Andy Robertson and Scott McTominay, the Aston Villa captain now stands out in his hometown of Clydebank.

McGinn, often playfully described as having a backside resembling the gable end of a house, now has a mural depicting him on a house belonging to the mother of one of his childhood friends.

The midfielder recently unveiled this tribute before joining the Scotland squad in the United States for the World Cup. “I am glad they fixed the teeth,” he remarked about the mural, showing his characteristic humility.

From Clydebank to the Brink of America

McGinn’s career could have taken a drastically different turn. Eleven summers ago, he was on the verge of signing with Houston Dynamo. The move fell through due to red tape and insurance issues with his then-club, St Mirren. “It was probably a sliding doors moment,” McGinn reflects. “I have never been afraid to try something different. At that time, it had been a very disappointing year for me. I felt as though I needed a fresh start after everything that happened.”

This “everything” included a rather harrowing incident where he was impaled by a spiked training pole during a prank at St Mirren’s training ground. Despite the setback, McGinn’s determination and resilience shone through. He met with Owen Coyle and Sandy Stewart, then in charge at Houston, but the deal ultimately collapsed due to foreign player restrictions and insurance complications.

A Career Defined by Resilience and Success

Looking back, McGinn wonders if the failed move was a blessing in disguise. “Was it a blessing?” he ponders. “How many former Houston Dynamo players have gone on to win European trophies?” Indeed, McGinn has etched his name into Hibernian folklore by winning the Scottish Cup, a feat that many former Dynamo players can’t claim.

McGinn’s career has been marked by resilience and success. Just a few weeks ago, he became the first Scot since Graeme Souness with Liverpool to lead a team to a major European trophy, winning the Europa League with Aston Villa. “After St Mirren won the (League) Cup in 2013, it was the biggest lesson I’ve ever had in my life,” he recalls. “After that, I decided to try and enjoy these nights because they don’t come around too often.”

Now, at the age of 31, McGinn’s career is reaching new heights. He has another Champions League campaign to look forward to next season and is set to make his World Cup debut against Haiti. “Everything happens for a reason in football. You just have to back yourself to give yourself the best chance to do well. More often than not, good things will happen,” he states, reflecting on his journey.

From Bavarian Dancing to World Cup Focus

McGinn’s journey has not been without its moments of levity. Two summers ago, on the eve of Euro 2026, he indulged in a spot of Bavarian dancing in Germany. “Do I regret that? Maybe,” he admits. “At that point, I am not thinking that we wouldn’t be successful, I had belief at that time. I just thought that when you are in Germany, they were looking for a volunteer. Obviously, this mug was No.1.”

Since Scotland’s arrival in Charlotte, the atmosphere has been more subdued. “There won’t be much dancing before the tournament,” McGinn admits. “But if we manage to get through the group, I can put that outfit back on and do the dance again.” His focus is firmly on the World Cup, determined to take advantage of this moment in time.

Scottish players are once again featuring in Panini sticker books and on the sides of buildings. From Liverpool, where Robertson has earned a mural, to a tenement block near Hampden, where McTominay’s overhead kick against Denmark adorns a wall, the current generation of Scottish players is leaving its mark. “It’s been a long time since we have that kind of thing with Scottish players,” notes McGinn. “A generation’s missed out. But thankfully this generation of children will see us on the sides of buildings. Hopefully, come August, there are 26 of them dotted about the country.”