Did José Mourinho inadvertently cost England a Ballon d’Or contender? It’s a question that’s sparked heated debates among football fans, and the story behind it is as fascinating as it is controversial. Here’s how it unfolded: During his tenure as Manchester United’s manager, Mourinho played a pivotal role in shaping the career of Scott McTominay, a player who could have been England’s midfield jewel—but instead became Scotland’s darling. And this is the part most people miss: McTominay, despite being born and raised in Preston, England, chose to represent Scotland internationally, thanks in no small part to Mourinho’s influence.
Mourinho was the one who handed McTominay his senior debut in May 2017, setting the stage for the player’s 255 appearances for United. But here’s where it gets controversial: McTominay’s Scottish heritage, through his father, gave him the option to play for either England or Scotland. With Mourinho’s encouragement to ‘follow his heart,’ McTominay chose Scotland, a decision that has since paid dividends for the Tartan Army. This week, his goal helped Scotland qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and he’s even in the running for the 2026 Puskás Award. Could he have achieved the same—or more—with England?
Alex McLeish, Scotland’s manager from 2018–2019, openly credited Mourinho for tipping the scales in Scotland’s favor. In an interview with the Telegraph, McLeish recalled how Mourinho’s public comments urging him to secure McTominay’s commitment sparked a race against time. Despite a treacherous journey from Edinburgh to Manchester during the ‘Beast from the East’ cold snap in 2018, McLeish arrived just in time to meet with Mourinho and McTominay. Interestingly, Gareth Southgate, then England’s manager, visited the very next day—but by then, McTominay’s mind was made up.
‘José couldn’t have been more supportive,’ McLeish noted. ‘He made it clear that Scott should go with his heart, and that’s exactly what he did.’ McTominay himself later confirmed this, telling the High Performance podcast in 2024, ‘I always wanted to play for Scotland, for my grandpa. José was always there, saying, “Go with your heart, and I’m here to support you.”’
But here’s the million-dollar question: If Mourinho hadn’t been so influential, would McTominay have chosen England? And if so, could he have become a Ballon d’Or nominee, elevating England’s midfield to new heights? It’s a hypothetical that will forever linger in the minds of English fans. What’s undeniable, though, is that Mourinho’s role in this decision has left an indelible mark on both McTominay’s career and international football. What do you think? Did England miss out on a potential superstar, or was McTominay always destined to shine with Scotland? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
