Joining the Tartan Army at France '98
For Alan Weir, then 21 years old, joining the Tartan Army for Scotland's final group match at the 1998 World Cup in France was a dream realized. The experience of being part of the pre-match atmosphere and the fans' march to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne was unforgettable.
Despite Scotland's 3-0 loss to Morocco, which resulted in the team's elimination from the tournament, Alan's emotions remained undiminished by the outcome.
This experience would later inspire Alan to make significant life changes, including leaving his job to travel the world.
France '98 marked the last occasion the Scotland men's national team competed in a World Cup.
Traveling to Saint-Étienne 28 years ago, Edinburgh-born Alan was immediately immersed in the buildup to Scotland's final group match.
"The feel-good factor was unbelievable," he recalled.
"There were people hanging out of windows waving Scotland flags, it felt like the whole city was behind us.
"The euphoria of being there was like nothing I'd ever experienced in my life".
The Emotional Highs and Lows of Being a Scotland Fan
Supporting Scotland can be an emotional rollercoaster, shifting rapidly from joy to disappointment. The defeat against Morocco sent Alan and the rest of the Tartan Army home earlier than hoped, once again without souvenirs from the tournament.
Nonetheless, the trip ignited a desire in Alan to explore more of the world. In 2000, he organized a youth group from his hometown of Muirhouse to visit Germany.
That same year, Alan left his position as a youth worker to pursue further travel.
"I wanted a change," said Alan.
"The World Cup was the biggest thing in my life from when I was a kid and I think I learned about so many countries through the World Cup - I wanted to go abroad."
Life-Changing Encounters in Italy
Although Alan initially planned to spend time in Germany, his path crossed with an Italian woman named Piera. This meeting led him to visit her home near Naples and attend a Napoli versus Juventus football match.
The couple quickly formed a relationship, and Alan developed a deep affection for both Naples and its football culture.
Images of Argentina and Napoli legend Diego Maradona were ubiquitous throughout the city. Years later, these would be joined by images of a new Napoli icon, Scotland's own Scott McTominay.
Continuing Football Passion and Travels
Alan's enthusiasm for Scotland remained strong. He traveled again to support Scotland during their 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, attending matches in San Marino and Zagreb, although the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful.
He then returned to southern Italy.
"I wanted to go back for two reasons – I wanted to be with Piera and the other reason was that I missed Naples.
"It opened my eyes to the world. When I came here it was love at first sight.
"Naples reminded me of Leith when I was a kid – big characters – and I just felt really at home."
With assistance from Piera and her family, Alan learned Italian and integrated into the local culture rather than standing out as a foreigner.
"Now they call me 'O' Scozzese Napolitano [The Scottish Neapolitan],'" said Alan, who currently works as a learning and assessment consultant for a UK publisher.
Family Life and Shared Football Passion
Alan and Piera have since started a family, raising three children who share their passion for Scotland and football.
The household has been filled with excitement since Scottish internationals Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour signed for Napoli in the summer of 2024.
Alan was present on the streets of Naples, proudly wearing a kilt and a Napoli shirt last year when the duo helped lead the team to the Serie A title, with McTominay scoring a spectacular opening goal.
"Having two Scottish players on the pitch for Napoli when they won the league – in a footballing sense it was the proudest day," said Alan.
"That goal, I can't describe the feeling, but then he did it again for Scotland against Denmark.
"I think McTominay feels a love here. They absolutely adore him."
Reflecting on a Life Transformed
Looking back on the France '98 World Cup, Alan reflected on how much his life has changed.
"I've got married and had a family, met a lot of amazing people, been to a lot of beautiful places and fallen more and more in love with the south of Italy," he said.
Alan, who will watch this year's World Cup from his home in Italy, added:
"I'm very grateful for what I've got.
"Family comes first and football a close second."
