Born in Scotland on 31 August 1990, Gary Mackay-Steven wears the number 39 jersey and strides on the field as a forward, mostly as a left winger for Kilmarnock. This 5ft 8in heavyweight of 11st dribbles and shoots from a commanding height of 1.75m, weighing about 70kg that adds power to his finesse.
In the season of 2023 - 2024, Mackay-Steven made his mark on the Premiership with nine appearances for Kilmarnock, netting one goal during his solo start and subsequent eight stints as a substitute. This seasoned player also had a run in the Scottish Cup, coming on as a substitute.
Mackay-Steven initially passed the ball under the Airdrieonians banner in the Championship in Scotland in January 2011. Some six months later, he made his move to Dundee United in the Premiership also in Scotland. His prowess raised heads and in February 2015, Mackay-Steven was transferred to Celtic in the Premiership at a handsome fee of around £250k.
His stint at Celtic saw him performing admirably under the green-and-white, contributing to Celtic's enviable record in the Premiership. Following a decent run, Mackay-Steven transferred to Aberdeen, once again in the Premiership, in July 2017, fetching a considerable fee of £150k.
The Scottish native then made a grand venture across the pond in July 2019, joining New York City FC in the MLS, USA. However, his heart lay in Scotland. In a surprising turn of events, he was seen donning the Hearts jersey in the Premiership in January 2021. His continued contribution to Scottish football led him to Kilmarnock in December 2023, further solidifying his place in Scottish football lore.
His initial season at Airdrieonians during 2010 - 2011, he made 19 first team appearances. Dundee United then got a taste of his mettle during the season from 2011 to 2015, where he made a total of 110 first team appearances and struck a significant 21 goals into the back of the net. The Celtic period in Mackay-Steven's career (2014 - 2017) saw him with 46 appearances and scoring eight goals - not a career high, but a crucial time nonetheless.
Playing for Aberdeen (2017 - 2019), he made 51 first team appearances and netted nine goals. This was followed by his American adventure where he held his own in a total of 34 first team appearances across two seasons, scoring three times. The Hearts period was quieter with 36 appearances and strikes only twice. His latest tenure at Kilmarnock in the 2023 - 2024 season has seen him make nine first team appearances scoring once, paving the path for the future.
As we anticipate the season of 2024 - 2025, Mackay-Steven dons the Kilmarnock jersey once again, raising hopes and expectations. Thus, we toast to this Scottish stalwart's journey, and look forward to more magical football from him.
