Aston Villa's match against Maccabi Tel Aviv marked a momentous occasion. John McGinn came on for his 300th appearance for Villa, the 36th player to do so in the club's history. Over the seven years he has been in the Midlands, McGinn has evolved into one of Villa's greatest captains, embodying everything it means to wear claret and blue.
More recently, he has shown how much of a role model he is and is certainly one to lead by example. McGinn often sets the standard when it comes to work rate, as he throws himself into challenges, using his backside to shield the ball and then driving forward in his bullish style. It's what supporters want to see from their captain.
His journey to the Premier League, was very unique and many have questioned him along the way as to whether he is capable of making it. But time and time again, he proves why he deserves to be here and why he is now recognised as an Aston Villa legend.
Breaking Through At St Mirren
McGinn was born in Clydebank, just outside of Glasgow. His parents were both teachers and his two older brothers, Stephen and Paul, also ended up playing professional football. Growing up, he had slower physical development than those around him, his age, which he struggled with. David Longwell, who oversaw St Mirren's academy at the time, constantly reassured him and his family that his time will come, but they just have to be patient.
Longwell saw the talent that McGinn had, and despite his size, he was fearless of who he would come up against. Whilst others may have decided to release him because of his body, they stuck by him and helped develop him technically.
Eventually, he made his debut in 2012 against Celtic. To ensure they didn't lose him, the club offered McGinn a three-year contract extension shortly afterwards. Only a few months later, he would be playing the majority of the 2013 Scottish Cup final against Hearts, where they won 3-2. A first triumph at just 19-years-old.
His final season was cut short by a freak training ground incident. The captain at the time, Steven Thompson, threw a training pole towards McGinn after he won possession off of him. It impaled his thigh, causing a torn muscle. McGinn's contract was due to expire that summer and after everything that had happened, including St Mirren being relegated and taking legal action against the club, he decided to head for pastures new.
Moving to Hibs
There was interest from clubs in England and Houston Dynamo, but after a phone call with Alan Stubbs, the Hibernian manager at the time, McGinn decided to join them. Domestic success continued to follow him, as in his first season, he helped Hibs end their 114-year wait to lift the Scottish Cup. The following year, they were promoted to the Scottish Premiership, having won the Championship by eleven points.
That summer, Nottingham Forest made three offers, all of which were rejected. Although it was likely his wages would have nearly tripled, McGinn had no qualms about Hibernian's decision to bat away the bids. He was committed to having a fantastic season ahead and would only move should it suit both parties. A year later, interest continued, but this time from Scottish giants Celtic and the historic club of Aston Villa.
Whilst there was persistent speculation regarding his future, McGinn continued to play for Hibs, ignoring all the noise. In his final act, he scored the winner against Asteras Tripolis in a Europa League Qualifier. A week later, after a visit to Bodymoor Heath, he signed for Aston Villa in August 2018.
An Instant Fan-Favourite At Villa
ยฃ2.5 million was the fee. An absolute bargain. It didn't take long for McGinn to make an impact. His first goal came against Sheffield Wednesday, an incredible 25-yard volley, Puskรกs Award worthy. Seven goals and nine assists in his first season at Villa, included the Play-Off winner against Derby, that sent the Villans back to the Premier League. He picked up the Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the season awards, a remarkable achievement for someone who was criticised for his size.
Happy birthday to John McGinn, the man who scored this banger. ๐ฎโ๐จ๐จ
— Football Tweet โฝ๎จ (@Football__Tweet) October 18, 2024
The last angle. ๐ pic.twitter.com/moIDvnOlFK
McGinn's form continued and it was him that scored Villa's first goal on their return to the top of English football. An ankle injury in December of 2019, ruled him out for three months and when he returned he struggled to pick up where he left off. Villa managed to avoid relegation on the last day and then were able to build for seasons to come.
When Steven Gerrard arrived, McGinn was named the new captain, replacing Tyrone Mings, who was strangely stripped of it. The Scotsman's form under Gerrard dwindled and he started to become singled out by supporters for his poor performances. The club was flirting with relegation and the enjoyment of playing for Villa started to disappear, to a point where he was considering a move away. However, the toxic atmosphere soon changed when Gerrard was sacked and a new era of Aston Villa begun.
Unai Emery arrived with a steely presence, a man wanting to achieve great things at the club and players could either get in line or move on. For McGinn, it was a chance to reinstate himself into the starting XI. Crucially, Emery saw value in him staying as an asset to the team. From then on, McGinn grew into the player that he is today and he would probably have not even imagined the levels he has now reached under Emery today.
He had to bide his time to gain Emery's trust, as any player does, but he rather quickly regained his consistency. The connection between the club and the supporters returned and McGinn was right at the forefront of it. Echoes of "Super John McGinn" would serenade him frequently and when Villa entered Europe, memorable moments would follow him.
The 2023/24 season was his best from both personal achievements and his overall leadership as captain. Villa's first win in the Europa Conference League came via a last minute header by McGinn against Zrinjski Mostar. Although Villa were knocked out in the semi-finals, it was an unforgettable season, as they qualified for the Champions League. Two superb performances against Arsenal and Manchester City in the league in December, showed the levels McGinn was reaching. He ended the season, having played 53 games in all competitions, a testament to his hard work, and scored nine goals and seven assists.
John McGinn's 94th minute winner ๐ Zrinjski ๐#UECL | #HBD pic.twitter.com/pCfYeOSwPX
— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) October 18, 2024
Champions League nights at Villa Park were historic and once again, McGinn was involved in many. A first goal in the competition against Bologna, was followed by an unbeaten home record. Then that night against PSG. A moment that will stay with Villa supporters for life. The goal that made everyone believe that a comeback was possible, was one that epitomised everything about McGinn as a player. A charging run from his own half, beating opposition players before blasting a shot past Donnarumma from distance, made it 2-2 on the night, 3-5 on aggregate. The pure hunger and desire to be the difference and ignite his teammates and the crowd into life, encapsulates McGinn in a nutshell.
JOHN MCGINN THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS ๐ฅ
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) April 15, 2025
The Scotsman thunders one in from range, they couldn't... could they?#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/VHmioNJt9P
Fast forward to the start of this season, when Villa had a woeful start and was plagued by the restrictive transfer rules in the summer. There was one man, rallying the players, reminding them of the standards and leading by example. That was John McGinn being the incredible leader that he is. He has three vital goals already this season and was one of the key players to lead the recovery of some form.
This is his eighth season at the club, 301 appearances, 33 goals and 41 assists. He is the only Villa player to score in the Championship, Premier League, Conference League, Europa League and the Champions League. In the eyes of many Villa supporters he is already a legend and if he were to win a trophy this season...well that would probably tip the lot.
