Santiago Giménez claimed the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in his debut season, marking a high point early in his European journey.
The Mexican forward joined Feyenoord as a reinforcement this season and gradually established himself as a key contributor. He made his mark on the field, delivering 15 goals and earning the trust of the squad as the campaign unfolded.
Giménez also set a new scoring benchmark for a Mexican player in Europe during his first European campaign with the Rotterdam club. This milestone has drawn interest from clubs across the continent, reflecting the impact he has shown on Dutch soil.
With this achievement, the former Cruz Azul forward joins a growing list of Mexicans who have won the Eredivisie over the years. There are seven names in total, and the history of their success is worth looking at one by one.
CARLOS SALCIDO
Season 2006-2007: The Jalisco-born defender arrived in the Netherlands and quickly established himself as a dominant presence on the right flank for PSV. He appeared in 33 league games and soon became a central figure for the team, prompting renewed interest from several top clubs in Europe.
Season 2007-2008: Salcido’s influence grew even more, with the same number of league appearances and 12 starts in continental competition. He helped PSV clinch the Eredivisie title with 72 points, three ahead of Ajax, cementing his status as a standout in Dutch football.
HECTOR MORENO
Season 2008-09: After a season with limited playing time, the Pumas youth product began to shine in his second year at AZ Alkmaar. Although he played 15 league matches, Moreno demonstrated defensive leadership and potential, hinting at the impact he would later have on the squad.
Season 2015-16: Moreno returned to the Netherlands with a bold impact, leading PSV as a key figure and contributing goals from the back line. He scored four times in 29 appearances as the Boeren claimed the championship with an impressive campaign.
ANDRES GUARDADO
Season 2014-15: After a challenging period at Bayer Leverkusen, Guardado found form again in the Netherlands. He reestablished himself as a leader in PSV’s midfield, driving the team forward and guiding them to Eredivisie glory.
HIRVINg LOZANO
Season 2017-18: Lozano sparked a revolution in the Eredivisie in his first year. The Mexican winger became a constant threat on the left flank, scoring 17 goals in 29 games and becoming the standout player for the champions. His pace and creativity unsettled defenses, drawing attention from several European clubs and eventually moving to Napoli two years later.
EDSON ALVAREZ
Season 2020-21: Alvarez emerged as a vital component for Ajax in the latter part of the season. After a stretch on the bench, he seized the opportunity under the manager and established himself as a dependable presence in midfield and defense. His growth helped push Ajax to the summit of Dutch football, with his performances playing a significant role in the campaign’s success.
SANTIAGO GIMÉNEZ
Season 2022-23: Giménez arrived in mid-2022 and, after initially coming on as a substitute, won the trust of the coach as the season progressed. He became a key player for Feyenoord, scoring 15 goals and competing for the league’s top scorer, as his team secured the Eredivisie title and left a lasting mark on Dutch football.
These careers illustrate how Mexican players have consistently contributed to Dutch football and earned a place in the Eredivisie’s history. The path of each player shows a blend of adaptation, perseverance, and quality that helped them excel in a league renowned for its tactical discipline and competitive spirit. (Goal)