PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Santiago Tomás Giménez |
| Date of Birth | 18 April 2001 (Age: 25) |
| Place of Birth | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Mexican (born in Argentina, naturalised) |
| Height | 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Position | Centre-Forward / Striker |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Squad Number | #7 (AC Milan) |
| Current Club | AC Milan |
| Previous Clubs | Cruz Azul, Feyenoord |
| International Caps | 32+ |
| International Goals | 4+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
| Market Value | €32M+ (transfer fee) |
The Frozen Moment
The Estadio Azteca crowd held its breath. June 2026. Mexico and England were locked in a dramatic Round of 16 World Cup clash, and the co-hosts were pushing for a late equaliser. Santiago Giménez, the 25-year-old striker, had entered the pitch in the 61st minute, determined to make an impact on the biggest stage of his career.
But his night would end in agony. In the 98th minute, as he chased down a ball in the corner, Giménez fell awkwardly, bending his ankle severely out of shape. He was stretchered off the pitch, leaving his teammates to play on with 10 men. Mexico fell 3-2 to England, their World Cup campaign over. Giménez was rushed to hospital, and manager Javier Aguirre expressed his concern: “We need to check Santi because he is at the hospital right now.”
It was a cruel end to a tournament that had been years in the making. Giménez had been left out of the 2022 World Cup squad, a decision that had haunted him. He had vowed to make amends in 2026, his first World Cup. “I dreamed it, I asked for it, I worked for it, and God made it a reality,” he had written on social media after making his World Cup debut against South Korea. Despite the painful ending, the striker had finally achieved his dream of representing Mexico on the world stage.
Origins
Santiago Tomás Giménez was born on 18 April 2001 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is the son of former Argentine footballer Christian “Chaco” Giménez, who played for clubs including Boca Juniors, América, and Cruz Azul. Growing up in a footballing household, the ball was a constant companion from his earliest years.
The family moved to Mexico when Santiago was just three or four years old after his father signed with Veracruz. He spent his childhood in various Mexican cities, including Veracruz, Mexico City, and Pachuca, before settling in the capital. His entire childhood, education, friendships, and formative memories were forged in Mexico. He was naturalised as a Mexican citizen and joined the Cruz Azul youth academy in 2014 at age 13, quickly rising through the ranks.
The Professional Forge
Cruz Azul (2017-2022):
Giménez made his senior debut for Cruz Azul in a Copa MX match against Tigres UANL on 2 August 2017 at just 16 years old. He scored 22 goals in 55 official games for the U19 team. He made his Liga MX debut in August 2019 against Tijuana, and scored his first league goal on 2 February 2020 against Toluca, finding the net inside two minutes. He was part of the Cruz Azul side that won the club’s first league title in 23 years during the 2020-21 season. In August and September 2021, he won back-to-back Liga MX Player of the Month awards, and in June 2022 he scored in the Supercopa de la Liga MX final before converting his penalty in the shootout to secure the trophy. In total, he made 105 appearances and scored 21 goals for Cruz Azul.
Feyenoord (2022-2025):
On 29 July 2022, Giménez signed for Eredivisie side Feyenoord. He scored his first goal on 27 August 2022 in a 4-0 win over FC Emmen, also providing an assist. He made his UEFA Europa League debut on 8 September against Lazio, scoring twice after coming off the bench. He finished his first season with 15 goals in 32 league matches, helping Feyenoord win the Eredivisie title. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 23 goals in 30 league appearances, including a hat-trick across two days against rivals Ajax in a match that was abandoned and resumed due to crowd trouble. He was named Eredivisie Player of the Month for September 2023, and his 31st Eredivisie goal in the 2023 calendar year broke Luis Suárez’s record of 30 goals in 2009. He also won the KNVB Cup that season, assisting the winner in the final. In the Champions League, he impressed with goals against Lazio and Celtic. Over his time at Feyenoord, he scored 65 goals in 105 appearances.
AC Milan (2025-Present):
On 3 February 2025, Giménez joined AC Milan on a permanent transfer for a reported fee of €32 million, signing a contract until 2029. He took the number 7 shirt and, in a season and a half, has registered 7 goals in 37 total appearances.
The Anatomy of His Game
Giménez is a left-footed centre-forward known for his clinical finishing, intelligent movement in the box, and physical presence. Standing at 1.85 metres, he is a modern striker capable of leading the line as the focal point of an attack.
In Possession:
Giménez is a composed finisher with a record of consistently scoring goals at both club and international levels. During his time with Feyenoord, he scored 65 goals in 105 appearances. He is equally capable of creating chances for his teammates, with 11 assists under Arne Slot at Feyenoord. His move to Milan has been transitional, but his predatory instincts in front of goal remain his standout attribute.
Out of Possession:
Giménez works hard to press defenders and is willing to contribute to defensive phases, adapting to the tactical demands of top-level European football.
Psychological Edge:
Giménez’s mental resilience is one of his defining characteristics. He was excluded from Mexico’s 2022 World Cup squad but used that disappointment as fuel, continuing to develop his game and forcing his way into the 2026 tournament. His conviction in choosing Mexico over Argentina reflected a deep sense of identity. “I didn’t see it from a footballing angle,” he said. “The question I asked myself is: what do I feel more, Mexican or Argentine? And there I made the decision to go with Mexico.”
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Career Overview
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruz Azul | 2017-2022 | 105 | 21 | Liga MX (2020-21), Supercopa MX |
| Feyenoord | 2022-2025 | 105 | 65 | Eredivisie (2022-23), KNVB Cup, Johan Cruyff Shield |
| AC Milan | 2025-Present | 37 | 7 | — |
| TOTAL | — | 247 | 93 | — |
TABLE B: International Record
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Round of 16 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | — | — | Winner (2023, 2025) |
| Copa América 2024 | — | — | — |
| Mexico Senior Career | 32+ | 4+ | — |
What these figures reveal is a striker who has been prolific at every level of his career. His 105 appearances for Feyenoord yielded 65 goals, a remarkable return. At just 25, he has already won major silverware in both Mexico and the Netherlands. His international career is still in its ascendancy, and his World Cup selection in 2026, despite injury, underscored his importance to El Tri.
The Present Tense
Santiago Giménez is 25 years old and at a defining stage of his career. He is a striker for AC Milan in Serie A and a World Cup squad member for Mexico.
The Milan Story:
Giménez joined Milan in February 2025 for €32 million, securing a contract through 2029. His first season and a half have been a period of adaptation, with 7 goals in 37 appearances. He has faced challenges, including a chronic right ankle issue that required surgery in late 2025, keeping him out for over four months.
The World Cup Campaign:
Giménez was named in Javier Aguirre’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He made his World Cup debut against South Korea on 19 June 2026, coming off the bench in the 80th minute of a 1-0 victory. He started on the bench for Mexico’s Round of 32 clash against Ecuador, but came on in the 61st minute, playing a crucial role before his tournament was cut short by a horror ankle injury against England in the Round of 16. He was stretchered off in the 98th minute and hospitalised immediately. Mexico were eliminated 3-2.
International Record:
Giménez has earned 32 caps for Mexico since his senior debut in October 2021. He has scored more than four international goals and has been a key player for El Tri, winning the 2023 and 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cups.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Giménez is defined by his fierce sense of identity and pride in representing Mexico. Born in Buenos Aires, he moved to Mexico as a child and has always considered it his home. “I was born in Argentina but I feel Mexican,” he has said. “I would be lying to my emotions if I chose Argentina, because I love Argentina—I was born there—but I feel Mexican.” He was naturalised as a Mexican citizen and has represented El Tri since the U-16 level.
His nickname, “Bebote,” is a play on his father’s nickname “Chaco” and his size. His father, Christian “Chaco” Giménez, was a prominent Argentine footballer who had a successful career in Mexico. The family’s move to Mexico, and Santiago’s subsequent identification with the country, is a deeply personal story of immigration and belonging.
The Verdict from the Camp
Arne Slot, Former Feyenoord Manager, Current Liverpool Manager:
“Santiago Giménez is the best player I have ever coached… He was an incredible player, he helped me find the way to win the league when I was there.” Slot later clarified that, while not the absolute best due to respect for other players, “the best Mexican player I have ever coached is definitely Santiago Giménez.”
Feyenoord Director of International Business, Mohammed Hamdi:
“Santi was our top scorer and had an important role in us winning the championship. He was our number 9.”
Javier Aguirre, Mexico Head Coach:
“We need to check Santi because he is at the hospital right now.”
Where Next?
Santiago Giménez is 25 years old and under contract with AC Milan until 2029. His rehabilitation from the serious ankle injury suffered during the World Cup will be a priority for both Milan and the Mexican national team. Reports indicate interest from English clubs, with Sunderland and Leeds United monitoring his situation, but Milan have set a valuation of around €30 million.
For Mexico, Giménez is a vital part of the attacking future. His exclusion from the 2022 World Cup spurred him on, and his performances in the 2026 tournament, despite the injury, proved his worth on the global stage. Alongside Raúl Jiménez, he is one of Mexico’s most important attacking players. His recovery and return to form will be crucial for El Tri’s ambitions.
From Buenos Aires to Mexico City, from Rotterdam to Milan, and from a heartbreaking World Cup debut to an even more heartbreaking exit, Santiago Giménez’s journey is a story of identity, resilience, and raw talent. The boy who chose Mexico with his heart is now one of its most potent attacking weapons—and his story is far from over.
