Could Santiago Giménez be the future of European football?

Santiago Gimenez celebrates after scoring a goal during the match between Excelsior Rotterdam and Feyenoord at the Van Donge and De Roo Stadium in Rotterdam, on November 25, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Santiago Gimenez celebrates after scoring a goal during the match between Excelsior Rotterdam and Feyenoord at the Van Donge and De Roo Stadium in Rotterdam, on November 25, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Santiago Giménez during the Eredivisie football match between between Excelsior Rotterdam and Feyenoord.
Couhaib Driouech (L) fights for the ball with Santiago Gimenez during the match between Excelsior Rotterdam and Feyenoord at the Van Donge and De Roo Stadium in Rotterdam, on November 25, 2023. (Photo by MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

The Mexican forward, Santiago Giménez, is getting noticed by top European football clubs. Feyenoord’s 22-year-old striker is the second-most prolific goalscorer in Europe’s top league after Harry Kane of Bayern Munich. Transferable player and wanted, the lights are now on him.

Santiago Giménez impactful in front of goal

Santiago Giménez definitely left his stamp with his 18 goals in 16 matches. This made him one of the most dangerous snipers in Europe. So far, he has scored seventeen goals in his first twelve league games. The likes of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are among his colleagues in this club.

Family heritage

Giménez greatly benefited from his father, Christian Giménez. A former Mexico/Argentinian professional footballer turned coach in Mexico. Even Diego Maradona himself called his father to be part of the Argentine squad at one time.

The 22-year-old striker’s career started out playing for Cruz Azul in Liga MX, which brought him to play currently for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie and Champions League. He could have played for Argentina, but opted for Mexico.

The transfer market and dealings with European giants

FC Barcelona has not failed to acknowledge Giménez’s outstanding performances. This is the reason they consider him an alternative to Robert Lewandowski.

According to reports, Chelsea is said to have looked into Giménez as well. The Blues, who have the intention of signing another striker during the winter transfer window, could be another potential suitor for  Gimeñez, who is having an amazing half-season where he has scored a goal in almost every match in all competitions.

The Present : A Champions League challenge

So far domestically, Giménez has done well, but a critical test awaits him against Atlético de Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League. He is the most prolific goal scorer this season, having scored a total of 18 goals with three assists in only 16 games played across all competitions.