When John McGinn scored Scotland's first men's World Cup goal in 28 years in the 1-0 win over Haiti, the Aston Villa midfielder celebrated in customary fashion — mimicking goggles with his hands turned upside down. But the gesture, now ringing out on the streets of Boston and from the Fenway Park bleachers, carries a deeply personal meaning.
The 31-year-old has revealed the celebration is for his nephew Jack, who needs goggles to play football because of his poor eyesight. McGinn spoke to ITV Sport about the inspiration behind the now-iconic routine. "It was for the last major tournament when I didn't score," he said. "It was at the time where Jack was having serious discussions about his eyesight. It's probably as strong a lens as you can get for a child. When he takes his glasses off, you can see how much he struggles."
“John McGinn says his goggles celebration is for his nephew Jack, who needs goggles to play football due to poor eyesight.”
McGinn said he does not want any kid in Scotland — or anywhere — to be put off being themselves, which is why the celebration has become his trademark. He admitted he harbours regrets about sometimes teasing other children for wearing glasses when he was younger, now that he understands the challenges they face. The response from parents has been overwhelming. "A lot of parents have got in contact and said 'you've inspired my son to keep his goggles on' or 'you've inspired my kids to have their eyes tested'," McGinn said. "If my celebration brings awareness to that then that's the main thing. To do it on the world's biggest stage was special."
The Tartan Army darling's message extends beyond his nephew: he hopes the celebration encourages young children across Scotland and around the world to feel comfortable playing football with their pals, goggles and all.