Santiago Giménez has officially signed with AC Milan, marking one of the most important transfers of this winter market. His arrival excites Mexican fans as he embarks on his Serie A adventure with one of the most prestigious clubs. But he is not the first Mexican to wear the Rossoneri colors; the legacy of Mexican footballers in Italy dates back decades, with Pedro Pineda being the first.
Originally from Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Pedro Pineda was born on November 30, 1971, and showcased his football prowess at Club América’s youth system. After making waves during the 1991 Under-20 World Cup held in Portugal, Pineda caught the attention of European scouts, including those from AC Milan.
At the time, Milan was experiencing golden years under coach Arrigo Sacchi, featuring legends like Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit. When Pineda signed with AC Milan, expectations soared; many believed he could follow the path to success forged by these stars.
Despite the excitement, Pineda struggled to find his footing. He never officially debuted with the first team, as the competition was relentless within the squad, and only months later, he was loaned to Club Necaxa where his career continued mostly within the realms of Mexican football.
Pineda’s tenure at AC Milan serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by young players migrating to competitive leagues like Serie A. "Imagínate lo que era estar en ese equipo [AC Milan]. Lo dirigía Fabio Capello y entrenaba con jugadores como: Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit y Marco van Basten," Pineda reflected, highlighting the intensity of vying for minutes against such elite talents.
Fast forward to 2025, Santiago Giménez, now 23, joins the ranks of Mexican players hoping to leave their mark on Italian soil. His move to AC Milan is set at 35 million euros after impressing at Feyenoord. Giménez's style of play, often characterized by his pacing and goal-scoring finesse, suggests he might succeed where his predecessor struggled.
Giménez’s imminent arrival has filled the air with anticipation. The football community buzzes with congratulatory messages, with fans eager to see how he will adapt to the legendary Serie A. While Pineda’s experience was brief and anecdotal, the hopes for Giménez are significantly higher.
Beyond these two, the history of Mexican players in Italy is gradually growing. After Pineda, Miguel Layún made his Serie A debut with Atalanta back in 2009. Despite only playing two games, he paved the way for other players, demonstrating the potential for Mexicans to succeed abroad.
Rafael Márquez, recognized as one of the most iconic Mexican footballers, had his brief period with Hellas Verona from 2014-2015, following his illustrious time at Barcelona. Other notable mentions include Carlos Salcedo, who played with Fiorentina, and Héctor Moreno, who donned the AS Roma jersey, albeit to limited success.
The most prominent of recent talents is Hirving Lozano, who became the first Mexican to win the Scudetto with Napoli during the 2022-2023 season. His career stands as one of the most successful transitions from Mexican to Italian football.
Giménez’s potential adds to this developing narrative of Mexican footballers thriving internationally. The distinctive hurdles faced by earlier generations only heighten the significance of his transfer. Where Pineda faltered, Giménez aims to flourish and potentially solidify his name among Serie A's greats.
The move to Milan is not just about personal success; it symbolizes the evolution of Mexican football’s European presence and the increasing adaptability of its players. With expectations soaring, Santiago Giménez looks to carve out his legacy, hoping to write the next chapter of Mexican football history within the hallowed grounds of the renowned Rossoneri.