Santi Gimenez has a chance to stake a claim on Mexico's starting No. 9 role after a high-profile move to AC Milan

Mexican forward Santi Gimenez’s move to AC Milan became official Monday, but it wasn’t exactly a secret. After all, Gimenez was spotted with a senior adviser to AC Milan, the legendary former forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

That is the type of conversation his jump from Feyenoord to Serie A allows him to have. It’s not that Feyenoord is a place without history or without coaches able to develop young talent. But a figure like Ibra? One who has won the trophies, scored the spectacular goals and lived the dream Gimenez hopes to achieve?

It is those types of shoes he’s now looking to fill, with Milan reportedly shelling out more than $35 million for the Mexican forward. It’s a lot to ask, but Gimenez has been filling big shoes since he started his career with Cruz Azul, the Mexico City for which his father played more than 250 matches — and still represented when Santi started his career.

“We followed Gimenez for many months,” Ibrahimovic told DAZN this weekend. “We also tried in the summer, but it was a different situation. He’s ready. I saw him live, and he’s fired up. He’s really eager to start.”

Gimenez acknowledged Ibrahimovic is an idol of his and that he was aware of Milan's interest for over a year.

“Even though they were following me since last season, I tried to focus on my game,” said the Mexican striker according to "One player I follow as a footballer is Zlatan. I feel this responsibility, and it’s wonderful for me.”

Now, with a big move sealed to the Rossoneri, GOAL takes a look at what his arrival means for current USMNT stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah as well as boosting his chances of being Mexico's starting No. 9 at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

GettyDelivering on expectations

Gimenez will need to start fast to win over fans at the San Siro. Off the back of a derby draw with Inter, Milan is now preparing for other critical matches in the Coppa Italia and Serie A before a Champions League playoff against Feyenoord, the team Gimenez just left.

Not that Gimenez would pull any punches against the Dutch squad if he gets the chance. 

In part of the team’s roll-out of the announcement, it called him a ‘new luchador up top’. The turn of phrase may have just popped into the social media manager’s head because of Gimenez’s Mexican heritage and the country’s history of lucha libre. Yet, it’s a fitting one in that Gimenez is characterized by simply never giving up and battling for a ball, knowing it could turn into a goal.

“I can promise that I will do everything possible. I don’t believe in individualism but in teamwork,” he said at his introductory press conference. “This is a competitive team that can win a lot. I don’t promise a certain number of goals, but I will give my best.”

He leaves Feyenoord with 45 goals in 73 league appearances and a remarkable record in European play. His January goals against Bayern Munich and Lille in the Champions League put him at five goals in five matches, adding to two goals scored in the 2023-24 Champions League campaign and five goals in nine 2022-23 Europa League contests.

AdvertisementGettyCONCACAF linkup

Gimenez joins a Milan team already closely watched by many fans in North America. Beyond its history and international appeal, Milan has leaned heavily on U.S. star Christian Pulisic this season. Versatile U.S. midfielder Yunus Musah has been able to make his role increase as well.

Rivalry aside, he should fit in well with Pulisic. Gimenez already speaks English (though the multilingual Musah can help paper over any issues with Italian he might have upon arrival) and already has shown how quickly he can form a strong partnership with a player as creative as Pulisic at Feyenoord.

There is one small inconvenience when it comes to this idea that Gimenez’s move brings together a CONCACAF super team: His struggles on the international level — something that has drawn immense criticism back home. For example, Mexican-American and former USMNT striker Herculez Gomez continues to label Lille forward Jonathan David, the Canada striker, as the best No. 9 in Concacaf every time he scores a goal with the Ligue 1 club. That will remain a defensible position as long as Gimenez's struggles with El Tri continue.

Getty Images SportBattling for El Tri's No. 9 spot

Gimenez has scored four goals for Mexico in 32 appearances, with just two coming in official matches. One of those, however, was a title-winning strike in the 2023 Gold Cup final against Panama. Still, his international scoring record pales in comparison to his club form.

The biggest factor? His surroundings. With Hirving Lozano struggling for consistency, Mexico’s attack has often lacked a creative force to supply Gimenez with quality chances. If he delivers on his potential, it should strengthen his case in the ongoing battle for the No. 9 role. Veteran Raul Jimenez, after a strong October performance against the U.S., has reasserted himself in the position. But at 23, Gimenez is seen as Mexico’s future at the position. A strong spell in Italy could help him take firmer control of the role.

That shouldn't be a concern at Milan, where he'll play alongside his CONCACAF counterparts Pulisic and Musah, as well as Portugal winger Rafael Leao. With top-tier service, Gimenez should only improve, even as he faces tougher defenses than he did in the Eredivisie.

Gimenez will also be the first Mexican player to feature for AC Milan, an accomplishment he doesn't take lightly.

“Every player has the responsibility of carrying the national flag onto the pitch," he mentioned. "It’s a great honor for me, and I want to leave my mark. We are a very united country in Mexico, and today at Milan, I’ll have all of Mexico by my side.”

Evolution in Italy?

Gimenez looks like the forward AC Milan needs to get back in the mix for a top-four finish in Serie A and to push past his former club and perhaps beyond in the UEFA Champions League.

Mentality has never been the issue. Pressure hasn’t been a problem. Gimenez has constantly delivered for his club. He’s yet to find the same regularity for his country.

Still, Gimenez’s move to Milan should be welcomed by Mexico manager Javier Aguirre. El Tri currently are starved for players who have experienced the week-in, week-out intensity of Europe’s top five leagues.

That should push the 23-year-old closer than ever to an international breakout. Having Ibra around won't hurt anything, either.