McTominay’s overhead kick: iconic Scotland photo in Edinburgh | OneFootball

When football goes beyond the pitch and becomes cultural heritage. The famous photograph of Scott McTominay’s bicycle kick, the technical feat that propelled Scotland to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, has been officially displayed in one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious art galleries.

Naples, McTominay’s bicycle kick becomes art: the symbolic shot of Scotland exhibited in Edinburgh

This was reported by The National, a Scottish daily that highlights the symbolic value of the initiative.

A historic goal transformed into a work of art

The shot, taken by photographer Ross MacDonald, captures the Napoli midfielder suspended in the air as he strikes the ball with a bicycle kick. An image that immediately became iconic, not only for the aesthetics of the move, but for the historic weight of that goal: scored in the opening minutes of the final qualifying match against Denmark, it paved the way for a 4-2 victory and Scotland’s first qualification for a World Cup in 28 years.

The photograph is now framed and displayed in the Great Hall of the National Galleries Scotland, in the heart of Edinburgh. Admission is free and the work will remain on view to the public throughout the Christmas period, until January 5.

The initiative of the National Galleries Scotland

The idea comes directly from popular sentiment. As explained by a spokesperson for the Gallery: “Fans said the goal deserved to be displayed in an art gallery, and now it is. A moment of football magic, accessible to everyone.” A recognition that goes beyond the sporting result and celebrates the emotional and cultural impact of that instant.

The Scottish national team also wanted to amplify the message, sharing a video of the work on its social channels: “Some moments deserve to be framed. Head to the Great Hall of the Portrait Gallery, in the heart of Edinburgh, where this iconic moment can be admired for free until Monday, January 5.”

An image that has entered the collective imagination

As Rivista Undici recalls, the image of McTominay mid-air has gone around the world, appearing on the front pages of newspapers and being compared to legendary goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Gareth Bale. After that bicycle kick came goals from Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean, with the last two scored in the final seconds, making Hampden Park erupt on one of the most memorable nights in recent Scottish football.

When football enters museums

McTominay is not an isolated case. The line between football and art is becoming increasingly thin. Cristiano Ronaldo recently fueled his own legend by purchasing a gigantic collage by Italo-Albanian artist Agron Hoti, depicting the key moments of his career. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, named his header against Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final as his favorite goal: from that choice came a digital artwork by Turkish artist Refik Anadol, sold at auction for $1.8 million and destined for charity.

A priceless work, at least for now

The portrait of McTominay, at least for the moment, does not have an estimated economic value. But in Scotland, its symbolic price is already sky-high. It is not just the photograph of a goal, but the image of a return to the world stage, of an almost thirty-year wait, and of a moment when sport literally became art.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.