Santiago Gimenez endured a difficult 2025-26 season with AC Milan, failing to score a single Serie A goal. Mexico’s legendary striker Jared Borgetti has offered his insights to GOAL, analysing the reasons behind the young forward’s struggles. Despite a tough spell at club level and growing speculation over his future, the 25-year-old remains determined to shine at the upcoming home World Cup finals.

Injuries have played a major role in disrupting Gimenez’s progress in Italy. The striker joined San Siro in February 2025 after a prolific stint in the Netherlands with Feyenoord, where he netted 65 goals in 105 appearances and surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of his two full seasons at De Kuip.

Several top European clubs had expressed interest in signing the Mexican striker, with even Premier League sides showing admiration. Ultimately, Gimenez chose to join Milan, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the Rossoneri.

He managed to score six goals after arriving at San Siro but struggled to fully adapt to his new surroundings. His inconsistent form was initially attributed to the adjustment period that often comes with moving to a different league and environment.

However, injuries severely affected his first full campaign in Italy, sidelining him for nearly five months. With rhythm and confidence hard to regain, Gimenez only managed one goal in the Coppa Italia during the season. As Milan undergoes another period of transition—head coach Massimiliano Allegri is set to depart, and several senior players’ futures are uncertain—there is speculation that Gimenez could be on the move again.

Speaking about Gimenez’s situation, Mexican football icon Jared Borgetti, the country’s second-highest all-time scorer, shared his assessment while representing 10bet, the home of World Cup Betting. He said: “Unfortunately, the move to Italy hasn’t been a good year for Santiago, but it’s not only down to him or his performance. His injury has clearly affected his consistency, his ability to compete for a starting spot, and his overall level compared to what he showed in the Netherlands.”

Borgetti added, “I think Milan as a team hasn’t been playing well either. When a team underperforms, it becomes difficult for any individual to stand out. To claim that any player shone for Milan this season would be an overstatement. The team’s struggles certainly didn’t help him.”

He further explained, “Santiago is a player who thrives when the team functions well and the tactical setup complements his playing style. That allows him to get into scoring positions and create chances. His dip in form is partly his own doing, partly the team’s, and the overall environment also impacts his individual performances.”

Despite the setbacks, Gimenez remains optimistic and believes he can still succeed in Milan. The club’s passionate supporters have continued to back him, showing patience and affection even through his difficult spell.

Speaking to Billboard Italia, Gimenez said, “I have supported Milan since childhood, so playing in that stadium I once watched only on television means everything to me. The fans have shown me immense love, and even though I haven’t yet performed as I wanted, they continue to encourage and believe in me like a family.”

A strong showing at the 2026 World Cup would be the perfect confidence boost for Gimenez before returning to Milan to tackle new challenges. He is determined to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.

Discussing the prospect of playing in FIFA’s premier tournament on home soil, Gimenez stated, “Wearing the national team shirt means representing an entire nation. It’s a huge responsibility but also a beautiful honour. I know that Mexico is incredibly strong at home, and I’m convinced it will be a fantastic World Cup. Mexico will win, and I’ll be the top scorer!”

Mexico, with Gimenez likely to lead the attack, will kick off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Thursday. Following that, El Tri will face South Korea and Czechia in Group A, aiming to advance to the knockout stages. Gimenez hopes to use the tournament as a springboard to rediscover his best form before returning to Milan, where his contract runs until the summer of 2029.