- A 25-foot mural of John McGinn is being painted in his hometown in Scotland
- Barr’s Irn-Bru organised it as part of a project ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- The mural features his trademark “goggles” celebration
Aston Villa captain John McGinn will feature on a 25-foot mural in his Scottish hometown of Clydebank. The design is expected to be completed early next week, ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Perched proudly on the side of a local house on Taylor Street, the towering tribute stands just a stone’s throw away from where the midfielder grew up.
The massive installation has emerged as a vibrant beacon of community pride just as the nation prepares to rally behind the Tartan Army for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Iconic Scottish drink brand Barr’s Irn-Bru organised the project as part of their “Ultimate Home Fixture” campaign. It encourages diehard football fans to nominate their external walls for a total football makeover ahead of the tournament.
To kick things off, local homeowners Lesley Reynolds, 59, and Paul Patterson, 63, did not hesitate to volunteer the side of their house to celebrate their local hero.
A fitting tribute
The striking artwork beautifully captures McGinn’s status as a Scottish football legend. It depicts him performing his trademark “goggles” goal celebration, a gesture he created to support his young nephew, who wears protective goggles while playing football due to poor eyesight.
Alongside his likeness, the mural features his Scotland squad number seven. It also includes the slogan “Made in Clydebank. From Girders,” a playful nod to Irn-Bru’s legendary 1980s advertising taglines.
Bringing the massive design to life will take ten days, with a team of five painters. They have already used more than 60 brushes and over 100 litres of paint.
“Absolutely top class”
The mural caps off a successful period for McGinn, who recently achieved success with Villa in the Europa League. Upon seeing the artwork, he expressed his pride in being honoured in his hometown, where he has fond memories.
“The mural is absolutely top class. It’s surreal to see myself on the side of someone’s house, especially in my hometown.
“I have fond memories growing up on these streets, so it really does mean a lot.”
ReadAstonVilla verdict
The 25-foot mural is more than a striking piece of street art. It stands as a powerful testament to McGinn’s remarkable journey from the streets of Clydebank to captaining Aston Villa in the Champions League and becoming a key leader for Scotland.
As he prepares to play a vital role for his country on the world stage, Villa fans worldwide share the pride of his hometown. McGinn stands as an inspiration to those who watch him play, proving that giving your all and leaving nothing out on the pitch can lead you to the right to the top.
