Every footballing nation longs for a striker who can carry its dreams — a forward who combines instinct, confidence, and the ability to deliver on the biggest stages. For Mexico, that figure increasingly looks to be Santiago Giménez. At just 23 when the 2026 World Cup kicks off, Giménez is emerging as El Tri’s new talisman, a centre-forward thriving in Europe and embodying the promise of a new generation.
From Cruz Azul to Feyenoord
Born in Buenos Aires but raised in Mexico City, Giménez grew up steeped in footballing culture. His father, Christian “Chaco” Giménez, was a star in Liga MX, and Santiago inherited both the passion and the discipline required to succeed. After developing through Cruz Azul’s academy, he broke into the first team in 2017, gradually establishing himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents.
In 2022, he made the bold leap to Europe, signing with Feyenoord in the Netherlands. The move proved transformative. Giménez adapted quickly, scoring regularly in the Eredivisie and Europa League, and helping Feyenoord to the 2023 league title. His ability to find the net in different competitions marked him out as one of the most promising Mexican strikers in years.
Playing Style
Giménez is a classic No. 9 with modern qualities. He combines physical strength with intelligent movement, allowing him to unsettle defenders in multiple ways. In the box, he is clinical: sharp with his finishing, capable with both feet, and a threat in the air.
What makes him particularly dangerous is his composure. Giménez rarely looks rushed, often taking the extra second needed to pick the right shot. His positioning is instinctive, frequently arriving at the right moment to meet crosses or latch onto through balls.
Beyond scoring, he contributes with hold-up play, linking midfielders and wingers into the attack. His work rate is also notable: he presses defenders, tracks back when necessary, and embodies the relentless energy El Tri values in its forwards.
Contributions to El Tri
Though still early in his senior international career, Giménez has already shown glimpses of being Mexico’s striker for the future. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 Gold Cup final against Panama — a moment that highlighted his ability to deliver under pressure. For fans and pundits, it was a symbolic strike: a young forward announcing himself as the heir to Mexico’s No. 9 shirt.
His presence gives El Tri something it has lacked in recent years: a true penalty-box finisher. While Raúl Jiménez and Henry Martín have carried the load, Giménez represents the next phase — younger, sharper, and playing week in, week out against strong European opposition.
Mentality and Character
Giménez’s maturity stands out. Despite his youth, he plays with the calmness of a veteran, unafraid of responsibility. His grounding in a football family has instilled discipline, and his experiences in both Liga MX and the Eredivisie have sharpened his competitive edge.
He is also ambitious. Giménez has spoken openly about wanting to test himself in Europe’s biggest leagues, and his trajectory suggests he may soon be linked with moves to top-tier clubs. That hunger for growth is crucial as he develops into a striker capable of leading Mexico on the world stage.
Looking Ahead to 2026
By 2026, Giménez will be entering his prime, ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading El Tri’s attack on home soil. If his development at Feyenoord continues, he may arrive as one of the most in-form strikers in the Americas.
For Mexico, a clinical striker could be the missing piece in breaking through the elusive quinto partido barrier. Giménez’s ability to convert half-chances, hold his nerve under pressure, and inspire teammates with his goals could be decisive.
Conclusion
Santiago Giménez is more than just a promising striker — he is the symbol of Mexico’s next generation. From Cruz Azul to Feyenoord, from Gold Cup heroics to World Cup dreams, he has carried himself with maturity and purpose.
As 2026 approaches, fans see in him not just potential, but belief: the sense that Mexico finally has a striker capable of making the difference on the biggest stage. For El Tri, Giménez represents hope, hunger, and goals — the essential ingredients of a contender.