Santiago Giménez: The Rising Star of Mexican Football

Santiago Tomás Giménez is a name that has been making waves in the football world. Born on April 18, 2001, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most promising strikers of his generation. Despite being born in Argentina, Giménez has embraced Mexico as his home, representing the country on the international stage. His journey from the youth ranks of Cruz Azul to becoming a key player in European football has been nothing short of inspiring.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Santiago Giménez was born into a footballing family. His father, Christian “Chaco” Giménez, was a well-known player who made a significant impact in Mexican football. When Santiago was just three years old, his family moved to Mexico due to his father’s transfer to Veracruz. Growing up in a football-oriented environment, he naturally developed a passion for the sport.

His journey began in the youth academy of Cruz Azul in 2014. He progressed through the ranks and made his professional debut for the club on August 2, 2017, in a Copa MX match against Tigres UANL. His Liga MX debut came two years later, on August 28, 2019, against Tijuana. It didn’t take long for Giménez to showcase his potential, scoring his first Liga MX goal on February 2, 2020, in a thrilling 3–3 draw against Toluca.

One of the defining moments of his early career was his contribution to Cruz Azul’s Guardianes 2021 Liga MX title victory. The championship win ended the club’s 23-year drought and cemented Giménez’s reputation as one of Mexico’s top young talents. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial goals made him a fan favorite.

Move to Europe: Feyenoord and Eredivisie Success

In July 2022, Giménez took a bold step in his career by signing a four-year contract with Feyenoord, one of the top clubs in the Netherlands. The transition to European football is often challenging, but he adapted quickly. He scored his first goal for the club on August 27, 2022, in a 4–0 victory over FC Emmen.

His performances in the UEFA Europa League were particularly impressive. A standout moment came when he scored twice against Lazio, helping Feyenoord secure a crucial victory. His presence in the Eredivisie was also impactful, as he finished his first season with 15 goals in 32 league appearances, playing a key role in Feyenoord’s 2022–23 Eredivisie title win.

The 2023–24 season saw Giménez elevate his game even further. He signed a contract extension with Feyenoord and had a record-breaking year. One of his most remarkable achievements was scoring a hat-trick in a 4–0 away win against Ajax, Feyenoord’s biggest rival. He also set a new Eredivisie record by scoring 31 goals in a calendar year, surpassing the previous record held by Luis Suárez. His consistent performances helped Feyenoord secure the KNVB Cup in April 2024, adding another trophy to his growing collection.

AC Milan Move and Serie A Impact

Giménez’s stellar performances in the Netherlands caught the attention of major European clubs. On February 3, 2025, he completed a high-profile transfer to AC Milan for a reported fee of €32 million. Moving to Serie A presented new challenges, but he wasted no time in making an impact.

In his debut for AC Milan, he provided an assist in a Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Roma. His Serie A debut was even more impressive, as he scored a goal in a 2–0 win against Empoli. His ability to adapt to the tactical demands of Italian football has been widely praised, and he has quickly become an important figure in Milan’s attacking lineup.

Giménez’s playing style is well-suited to Serie A. As a classic center-forward, he possesses excellent positioning, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing. His link-up play allows him to create opportunities for his teammates, while his work rate and defensive contributions make him a complete striker.

International Career with Mexico

Although he was born in Argentina, Giménez chose to represent Mexico at the international level. His debut for the senior national team came on October 27, 2021, in a friendly match against Ecuador. He scored his first goal for Mexico on December 8, 2021, in a game against Chile.

One of the highlights of his international career occurred on July 16, 2023, when he scored the winning goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Panama. His late strike secured Mexico’s ninth Gold Cup title, further establishing his reputation as a clutch player.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Giménez is expected to play a crucial role in Mexico’s campaign. His combination of youth, experience, and technical ability makes him one of the team’s most valuable assets.

Playing Style and Strengths

Giménez is a modern striker who combines traditional goal-scoring instincts with versatility. He thrives inside the box, using his intelligence and positioning to find scoring opportunities. His ability to finish with both feet and his head makes him a constant threat to opposing defenders.

One of his greatest strengths is his movement off the ball. He can create space for himself and his teammates, making it difficult for defenders to mark him. Additionally, his physicality allows him to hold up play effectively, bringing others into the attack.

Despite his natural goal-scoring ability, Giménez is also a hard-working forward. He is willing to track back, press defenders, and contribute defensively when needed. His tactical awareness and adaptability make him an asset in different formations and playing styles.

Future Prospects and Legacy

At just 23 years old, Santiago Giménez’s future looks incredibly bright. His rapid rise from Cruz Azul to AC Milan has been remarkable, and he continues to improve with every season. If he maintains his current trajectory, he has the potential to become one of the top strikers in world football.

His decision to represent Mexico has made him a national hero, and he is expected to be a key figure for El Tri in the coming years. With his skillset, determination, and work ethic, he could play a significant role in leading Mexico to success on the international stage.

Giménez’s journey is a testament to his talent and dedication. Whether in Liga MX, the Eredivisie, or Serie A, he has consistently delivered outstanding performances. As he continues to grow and develop, he is poised to leave a lasting impact on the footballing world.

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