In the modern era, Scotland has never produced a midfield talent quite like John, the son of Mary and Stephen McGinn. Known for his distinctive running style, John once remarked that he doesn’t think anyone runs quite like him, thanks to his large backside. He humorously noted that no one else has a backside as big as his, which he uses to shield the ball and turn opponents. This unique movement has drawn comparisons to fellow Scottish footballer Kenny Dalglish.
Raised in Clydebank, John McGinn attended St Columba’s High School. He is the third of four children born to Stephen and Mary McGinn. Interestingly, John has a twin sister, Katie, and his older brothers, Stephen and Paul, are also professional footballers. Football runs deep in the family, as John’s grandfather, Jack McGinn, is a former Celtic chairman and Scottish Football Association president. Did you know? John often uses a ‘goggles’ goal celebration as a gesture of support for his visually impaired nephew, who wears special eyewear to play football.
In a nutshell, this article on John McGinn’s biography provides insights into his childhood story, early football years, the influence of his parents, Mary and Stephen McGinn, and his family background. It also covers his love life with Sarah Stokes, lifestyle, and personality. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details of this Scottish footballer’s journey.
Inside John McGinn’s Family Legacy and Football Journey
Preamble:
To pique your interest in John McGinn’s compelling story, we’ve curated a photo gallery that chronicles his journey from childhood to adulthood. From his charming boyhood days to his rise to fame in a Villa shirt, John has traversed a remarkable path in his life’s journey.
John McGinn Biography – Behold his Early Life and Rise.
Yes, everyone is aware of John McGinn’s formidable partnership with Aston Villa’s midfielders, including Boubakar Kamara, Emi Buendia, Coutinho, Jacob Ramsey, and others. He’s often recognized as one of the underrated stars and complete footballers in world football. Despite these accolades, there’s much more to John McGinn’s life story that you may not know. We’ve got it all, so let’s dive right in.
John McGinn’s Childhood Story:
Introducing “Meatball” – as a child.
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname “Meatball”. John McGinn was born on the 18th day of October 1994 to his mother, Mary McGinn and father, Stephen McGinn in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Scottish footballer is a twin with a sister named Katie. He the third of four children born of the union between his parents, who appear to be in their 60s. No doubt, he’s got his smile from his mum, and his dad is the secret behind his monstrous stamina.
John McGinn’s parents- Stephen and Mary McGinn, celebrate with their son.
Early Life and Growing-Up Story:
Mary and Stephen raised John McGinn alongside two elder brothers and twin sisters at Clydebank.
Back then, the forthcoming Villa man enjoyed playing football with his older siblings, Stephen and Paul. He could care less about what the future held, except, maybe, what to eat.
Everyone knows he is ready to devour something when he holds a spoon.
Speaking of matters of the belly, very likely that John McGinn once shared an inseparable bond with food.
He loved carrying his spoon all day long — in the name of utilizing the slightest opportunity of eating. Thankfully, his childhood wasn’t devoid of loneliness, as his household did cater for his needs.
John McGinn Family Background:
Like Che Adams, growing up in a comfortable household afforded the youngster all the luxury he needed as a little boy.
Ideally, John McGinn’s family background holds a track record with football. Did you know?… His granddad (Jack McGinn) served as the President of the Scottish Football Association.
Perhaps the influence wielded by his grandparents was the first step that smoothened his path in sports.
John McGinn Family Origin:
Do you know?… John McGinn’s hometown of Clydebank is located in Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland and the fifth most visited city in the UK.
As I tell this Biography, tourists have turned their attention to the town because of its beautiful structures and rich culture.
On the footballing side of things, legends like Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson have made Glaswegians feel blessed anytime they have a taste of their sporting heritage.
John McGinn Biography – Untold Story:
From the onset, his parents had already organised a path for them in football. Following in the footsteps of his elder brothers, Stephen and Paul, little John ventured into Scottish’s St Mirren academy at a very tender age.
Back in the days, the diminutive lad was always visible on the pitch because of his smallish stature and skills. Little McGinn was a precocious whiz kid who could easily dribble past bigger kids.
Young John McGinn pictured powering his way through bigger kids.
Seeing the way he trickles past opponents made people think the Lad would grow up to become successful.
To put his vision into practice, John McGinn’s parents did their part in ensuring steadfastness beyond academy timetables.
Back then, If he wasn’t on St Mirren footballing schedules, McGinn would be seen attending every kid’s soccer event. He did attend birthday memorial matches. Can you locate the ten years old here?
Early Career Life:
Starting life at his boyhood club laid the best possible foundation for his growth. To enhance further development, his parents approved a transfer to one of the club’s youth wings named Ralston academy.
Here’s our happy-looking boy in no time, who showed signs of settling down. Thou still looking very short in height, McGinn began growing years later.
As nature would have it, he got what he wished – height and excellent performance throughout his academy years.
The break into St Mirren’s first team (in the pre-season of the 2012–13 season) began on a positive note.
As trusted, the young Scott helped the under-20 side to several victories, including winning a match ball award.
Road to Fame Story:
Rising through the ranks, the midfield engine signed a 3-years contract with St Mirren in 2012.
Unfortunately, his days with the club ended on a sour note as he got injured in a failed prank masterminded by Steven Thompson — St Mirren’s captain.
With a heavy heart, John McGinn’s parents intervened. Stephen stepped into the picture of his ordeal and took legal action against St Mirren. We are not aware if John McGinn’s family’s won the case. But one thing was for sure; he left the Saints.
Not giving up on his dreams, the midfielder signed a 4-year contract with Edinburgh’s club Hibernian in 2015. There, he became part of the squad that won the 2015–16 Scottish Cup after 114 years.
John McGinn’s Biography — Success Story:
Joining the Hibs seemed to be a brilliant choice for the Scott, who quickly established himself as a formidable force in the midfield.
Of course, his unmatched talent attracted many offers, even from Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic. Despite the interest, McGinn believed he could achieve more with Aston Villa, which he did in this evidence.
At Villa, he became a midfield general, one who ensured many supplies of Ollie Watkins’ and Jhon Duran and the best cover-up for Tyrone Mings.
One of the greatest highlights of his career was when he did put national smiles on the faces of his parents, siblings and countrymen. John became famous worldwide after he became part of the heros who helped Scotland qualify for the Euro 2020 after defeating Serbia on penalties.
The rest, as we say, is history.
Who is Sarah Stokes?
Yes, he strives toward maintaining a virtuoso performance on the pitch. Meatball has also nurtured a successful relationship.
McGinn doesn’t believe in the football-before-love approach like fellow international Scott McTominay. As I compose this Bio, the lover boy is actively dating his long-term girlfriend — Sarah Stokes.
Meet Sarah Stokes – She is John McGinn’s Girlfriend.
The girlfriend who is set to become John McGinn’s wife is deeply in love with her man’s achievement.
As a husband-to-be, the Clydebank native ensures he makes up for lost time whenever he is off soccer duties. Now here is an evident case of putting such into action.
Personal Life:
Who is John McGinn? … outside knowing him as one of those who inflicted seven goals against Liverpool, making the Reds suffer their heaviest defeat in 57 years.
For starters, he is someone who has got a blend of the Libra zodiac characteristics. McGinn is clever, decisive, platonic and a natural peacemaker. In fact, only a few moments spent with him can get you intoxicated by his sociable personality.
We find it fascinating that McGinn has loved spending time at pools and beaches since his childhood till date.
This shows he has got an eye for nature. Not only does he find peace in soccer, but he has still developed a habit of appreciating the beauty of natural phenomena.
John McGinn Lifestyle:
Spending some cash at golf clubs like Ryan Fraser shouldn’t be a problem for the Scottish player who earns lots of pounds.
Although, the Long passer derives an unfathomable euphoria in visiting amusement parks with family members.
For a player earning approximately £1.3 million annually, we need no soothsayer to tell who can’t afford to buy exotic cars and a convenient house.
The truth is, John McGinn’s net worth of about £7.6 Million has afforded him a subcompact luxury crossover SUV — Audi Q3, amongst many other assets.
John McGinn Family Life:
Football has not always been the only source of his happiness. McGinn can not help but laugh to his heart’s content whenever he is with his family, who are his major source of motivation.
In this section, we present you with facts about every member of his cheerful household.
About John McGinn’s father:
If there was one person who feels blessed with sports, it would be Stephen, his Dad. We all know that it isn’t easy to raise three professional footballers all together, but a hardworking Steve did it.
As I write this Bio, McGinn’s father just celebrated his 60th birthday. Certainly, his joy knows no bounds as his children continue to excel in their career endeavours.
About John McGinn’s Mother:
It is often said, behind every successful man, there is a woman — only that this time, McGinn’s mom has got the credit.
Her name is Mary McGinn, and she is the mother of Meatball, Katie, and his older brothers, Stephen Jr and Paul.
Of course, the world of football owes her lots of praise for raising her soccer sons so well. Thanks to Mary, Scotland now enjoys the selfless services of John McGinn. Apparently, she often supports her son from the sideline.
About John McGinn’s Siblings:
It’s double the grins, double the trouble, and double the giggles if you’re blessed with twins.
Honestly, McGinn has enjoyed a lot of challenging expeditions with his twin sister, Katie. As expected, the two siblings often got along and watch out for each other since they were kids.
McGinn and his twin sister, Katie.
As we have mentioned earlier, McGinn also has two older brothers named Stephen and Paul. His elder siblings are also professional footballers who had played at St.
Mirren even before McGinn had the privilege to join the club. Comparing all brothers, it is obvious that John is the breadwinner of the McGinn family.
About his Relatives:
The household of McGinn has enjoyed an easy-going experience with sports even before his birth. The reason being that his grandfather, Jack McGinn, once served as the chairperson of Celtic and the president of the Scottish Football Association.
Besides his lively family members, McGinn has got a nephew and a niece, pictured below. He is proud to be an uncle — no doubt about that.
Untold Facts:
To round up the Life story of the Long shot taker, here are a few realities that would help you get a full understanding of his memoir.
The Not-Funny Car Prank:
Sadly, many of his non-devoted fans have taken a liking in making fun of his John McGinn’s head. Some would yell out “Huge Head!” as they address the Scottish football prodigy.
As if that wasn’t enough, some unidentified persons once had an inscription fixed on the plate number of John McGinn’s car, intending to mock him.
Reason for Nickname:
As we’ve mentioned earlier, most of his fans usually mock him because of the shape of his head.
Similarly, his nickname (Meatball) also has to do with the structure of his head. Once a time, a 9-year-old boy approached him asking why people gave him Meatball. John responded saying…
“WHEN I WAS 17, MY MUM USED TO CUT MY HAIR IN THE KITCHEN. BACK THEN, EVERYONE NOTICED MY HEAD WAS ROUND THAT I LOOKED LIKE A MEATBALL.”
John McGinn Tattoos:
There are many fans who would have loved to see the Scottish player delve into the world of inks.
However, McGinn is not interested in tattoos. Some tattoo lovers once edited McGinn’s picture with inking on it. See for yourself how the Villa powerhouse would look with a tattooed body.
Poor FIFA Stat:
First and foremost, his overall ratings show he’s being underrated. To make things worst, his potential rating of 80 (6 points below that of fellow Scottish player, Billy Gilmour), is nothing to write home about.
To tell the truth, the Powerhouse of Aston Villa deserves over 80 for his overall rating and around 86 for the potential side.
Argentine Origin:
Around October 2016, John made a revelation to his Instagram fans about the nostalgic moments of featuring for the Argentina youth team.
It kept many of his followers, including us in awe – thinking if any of John McGinn’s parents have family ties with the South American countries. After a careful research, we found no ancestral connection.
Conclusion:
At some point in his Life story, McGinn would not have recorded greater achievements if not for the support of his family, especially Stephen (his Dad). Thanks to his parents, the iconic engine is now on BBC’s listing as among the top 10 players of the Premier League.
The Biography of John McGinn helps us understand the fact that if you set a good example, there is no need to worry about setting too many rules.
Typical examples are his family members – those who played football before him include Jack, Stephen, and Paul. They exemplified that by paving the way for John.
No doubt, his brothers have also contributed to his unpredicted rise to stardom in football. Despite his exceptional playing style alongside Jack Grealish (in his Aston Villa days), many fans have argued the fact that the duo has a contrasting experience on international duty. John McGinn had a memorable 2023, as he, alongside notables like Lyndon Dykes and Kevin Nisbet, helped Scottland to qualify for the Euro 2024.
Appreciation Note:
Thanks for reading John McGinn’s Bio. Remember, we strive to provide you with legit childhood stories of your most revered Aston Villa players. The Life History of Douglas Luiz will excite you.
Kindly contact us if you find anything that doesn’t seem right in our article. Otherwise, tell us what you think about the Scottish footballer in the comment section. For quick information about John McGinn, use our Wiki table, which summarizes his Biography.
