From Liga MX to Serie A, Santiago Gimenez’s journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Santiago Giménez: The Evolution of a Goal-Scoring Sensation
Santiago Tomás Giménez has emerged as one of football’s most electrifying forwards, captivating fans with his sharp finishing, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination. Born on April 18, 2001, in Argentina, the Mexican international currently leads the attack for AC Milan in Serie A, following an impressive career that spans Liga MX and the Eredivisie. His meteoric rise is marked by adaptability, relentless ambition, and a hunger for success on both club and international stages.
Early Years and Cruz Azul Breakthrough
Giménez's journey began at Cruz Azul, where he made his professional debut on August 2, 2017, in a Copa MX match against Tigres UANL. Though his early appearances were limited, he quickly showcased his potential, netting his first senior goal on February 2, 2020, against Toluca. His contributions grew significantly, playing a pivotal role in ending Cruz Azul’s 23-year championship drought by winning the Liga MX Clausura in 2021.
By 2021–22, Giménez had cemented himself as a key player, earning back-to-back Liga MX Player of the Month awards in August and September. His ability to score crucial goals and dictate attacking play made him one of the most promising talents in Mexican football. His final act with Cruz Azul came in the 2022 Supercopa de la Liga MX, where he scored and converted a penalty in the shootout, securing the trophy before embarking on a new challenge in Europe.
Feyenoord: Making His Mark in European Football
In July 2022, Giménez made a bold leap, signing with Feyenoord for a four-year contract. His transition to European football was seamless, scoring on his Eredivisie debut against FC Emmen and making an immediate impact in the UEFA Europa League, netting twice against Lazio.
2022–23: Eredivisie Glory
Giménez played an instrumental role in Feyenoord’s title-winning campaign, scoring 15 league goals and delivering decisive performances, including a crucial goal in the 3–0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles that sealed the 2022–23 Eredivisie title.
2023–24: Records, Rivals, and Silverware
His second season saw him elevate his game even further. He scored 23 league goals, including a hat-trick against Ajax in De Klassieker, and shattered Luis Suárez’s Eredivisie record by netting 31 league goals in a single calendar year. Feyenoord also lifted the KNVB Cup, with Giménez playing a key role in their triumph.
2024–25: The Final Chapter with Feyenoord
Despite an injury setback, Giménez returned to make history, becoming the highest-scoring Mexican in Eredivisie history and finishing his Feyenoord career with 51 goals across all competitions. His stellar performances attracted interest from European giants, leading to his blockbuster move to AC Milan in February 2025.
AC Milan: A New Challenge in Serie A
Giménez arrived at AC Milan for a reported €37 million, making his debut in a Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Roma, where he registered an assist. He wasted no time announcing himself in Serie A, scoring his first league goal in a 2–0 victory over Empoli. His UEFA Champions League debut for Milan saw him score against his former club Feyenoord, proving his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Now, as he embarks on his Italian adventure, Giménez faces the challenge of adapting to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues while continuing his evolution into a world-class striker.
International Success: Mexico’s Next Great Striker
Although born in Argentina, Giménez chose to represent Mexico, citing his deep-rooted connection to the country where he was raised. After progressing through Mexico’s youth teams, he made his senior debut in 2021 and quickly established himself as a key player for El Tri.
2023 Gold Cup Heroics
Giménez delivered one of his most iconic performances in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, scoring the decisive goal against Panama in the 88th minute to clinch Mexico’s ninth Gold Cup title. This moment solidified his reputation as a clutch performer on the international stage.
2024 Nations League and Future Prospects
In 2024, he helped Mexico reach the CONCACAF Nations League final, finishing as runners-up. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Giménez is poised to lead Mexico’s attack, promising more unforgettable moments in the national jersey.
Playing Style: A Complete Modern Forward
Giménez embodies the qualities of a modern striker—clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and adaptability. His ability to score with both feet and his head, combined with his physical strength, makes him a versatile threat inside the box.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, he is also an adept link-up player, frequently dropping deep to facilitate attacks. His pressing and work rate off the ball make him an asset in high-intensity systems, ensuring he contributes defensively as well. Having already thrived in multiple leagues, his tactical intelligence allows him to seamlessly adapt to different playing styles, a skill that will be crucial in Serie A.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
From his early days at Cruz Azul to his rise in European football, Santiago Giménez has consistently proven himself at every level. His journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and an unrelenting desire to succeed. With AC Milan and the Mexican national team, he is poised to continue his upward trajectory, with the potential to cement his place among football’s elite forwards.
As his career unfolds, one thing is certain—Santiago Giménez is a name that will echo in football history for years to come.
