“Better than Zidane” is the claim that rings out, loud and proud, at every Scotland and Aston Villa match.
It is a tribute that is laughed off by the oft-heard chant’s famously humble subject. Yet while “Super John McGinn” may lack the silky skills of the icon to whom he’s frequently compared, not even the great Zizou was more beloved by his teams’ fans.
McGinn, who this season captained Villa to UEFA Europa League glory, wasn’t destined for such hero status. As he told FIFA: “I never thought I would even play for Scotland, never mind represent the country at a World Cup.”
It was only after coming through the ranks at St Mirren, one of Scotland’s smaller clubs, that he progressed to Hibernian and, later, Villa – then languishing in England’s second tier.
Fast forward eight years and McGinn approaches his first FIFA World Cup as a universally admired linchpin for both club and country. With 20 goals for the latter, the bustling midfielder also sits fifth on the list of Scotland’s all-time leading scorers – ahead of Ally McCoist, six clear of Scott McTominay, and just ten behind Kenny Dalglish and Denis Law, the joint record-holders. His story, he believes, is an example of the determination that defines the Scots’ class of 2026.
“If you look at our squad, we’ve had some amazing journeys, a lot of setbacks, and what that does is make you stronger,” he said. “There are many people in that dressing room who have been told they're not good enough, they're too small, they're not fit enough, or they don't fit a certain person's idea of a football player. But we have a strong resilience, a mentality and a belief in ourselves. We just never give up.”
The Denmark victory, in which World Cup qualification was seized, surrendered and then finally secured with two stoppage-time stunners, is the obvious example of that never-say-die spirit. “The craziest day I've ever been involved in in football,” is how McGinn remembers that six-goal thriller. Yet it is another game against Nordic opposition, which took place over two years earlier, that he pinpoints as having opened his eyes to the team’s potential.
“It was in the EURO [2024] qualification campaign, we were playing Norway in Oslo and it was about 40 degrees Celsius - a ridiculously warm day. We got battered for 88 minutes. Battered. But we managed to come back from a goal down to win 2-1.
"From that moment, I knew this team had something different – huge character, personality and a never-say-die attitude. The Denmark game wasn't really a surprise for me after that.”
The question now, with the country’s first World Cup in 28 years looming, is whether those players – and those character traits – can help Scotland make yet more history. McGinn, who had a family connection to the team’s last appearance, is confident in their prospects.
“I would have been four [in 1998],” he said. “My grandpa (the late Jack McGinn) was president at the time of the SFA (Scottish Football Association) at the time, and I remember him bringing back some memorabilia. But in terms of the actual World Cup, I can't remember a thing.
“It’s crazy that it's been so long since Scotland have been at one, and it's so exciting for the whole country. I think it's not until I'm back home, taking the nieces and nephews to school, that you realise the impact it's having on not only our generation but the younger generations. Hopefully it’s giving them some inspiration for the future.
“I do think the belief is there for us to get to the knockout stage. This squad's got a steely focus and a determination to achieve something that's never been achieved before by a Scotland team. With the players playing at a high level in Europe, it gives us such confidence and belief in each other. When you're competing in big games, involved in big moments, each one that comes your way becomes slightly easier. You get more used to it, the highs and lows, and what we're getting as a team is much more experience, more caps. We certainly feel stronger.”
If an added boost is required, of course, McGinn can always rely on the Scotland fans and those “better than Zidane” chants. It’s clear, too, that the Tartan Army’s esteem for their star midfielder is entirely mutual.
He said: “What I expect from [the supporters] is the same as always: unbelievable support and dedication. But the thing that makes me proud to be Scottish and to be a Scotland player is how they conduct themselves with other people.
"There's never any trouble. They're always looking out for each other and make sure if someone steps out of line that they sort it out. I think you saw it when we [went] to Germany. Even when the results weren't good, they still had a great time and represented their country brilliantly. I'm sure they'll have a great time… and they better bring some sun cream!
“For us to give the Tartan Army a moment to remember in America, it would be huge. I know first-hand from my dad's friends, and from some of my own friends who travel home and away with Scotland, the cost, the time off work, the travel. Some people dedicate their whole life to following Scotland. We've wanted to give them huge moments as a group, and hopefully we can give them even more special memories now.”
Sources: FIFA Official
