For Santiago Giménez, missing from Mexico’s World Cup squad was a painful blow to his pride and professional plans.
In the lead-up to the Qatar 2022 tournament, Giménez stood out as one of the notable absences from the Mexican national team. He had just finished a peak season with Feyenoord, displaying clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and a growing maturity in his game. Yet manager Tata Martino opted to leave him off the final list, a decision that the striker publicly acknowledged as difficult to process. He spoke candidly about the emotional weight of not being selected, underscoring that even the best performers are still human beings who carry feelings and expectations.
Giménez was clear that the disappointment did not shake his faith or his confidence in his own path. He explained that he chooses to place trust in a higher plan, saying that he has learned to accept that some decisions are outside individual control. His words underscored a philosophy that resilience and patience can coexist with ambition, especially when a dream like the World Cup looms large. He also emphasized his commitment to the national team program, stating that the door remains open for continued growth and contribution as a core attacker as the team evolves under new leadership.
With Diego Coco taking the reins of the Mexican side, Giménez described the current phase as a chance to refine his game, adapt to new tactical ideas, and prepare for future opportunities. He spoke about the value of every training session and every camp, highlighting how these experiences shape a player’s readiness for the highest level of international competition. The forward indicated that the setback in Qatar has only sharpened his focus and reinforced his determination to be a reliable option for Mexico when national team duties call again in the future.
Regarding the transfer rumors that linked him with Benfica in Portugal for the next season, Giménez was clear and composed. He said he had no knowledge of any concrete deal or official interest beyond social media chatter. He reiterated his satisfaction with his current situation at Feyenoord, noting that he feels supported and motivated by his club environment as he continues to develop within a high-level league. His stance reflected a professional mindset: focus on performance, trust the process, and let the facts emerge through credible channels. [Goal]
As the world watches his trajectory, Giménez remains a prominent figure for fans in North America who follow Mexican football and the evolving careers of Mexicans abroad. His experience in Europe, combined with his potential impact on the national team, continues to fuel discussions about the player’s role in future World Cup campaigns and regional competitions. Soccer enthusiasts in Canada and the United States, where interest in the Mexican national team is strong, will likely monitor his progress closely as he navigates club commitments and international duties. [Goal]
Ultimately, the narrative around Santiago Giménez at this juncture is one of perseverance and steady growth. He has acknowledged the emotional sting of the Qatar omission, but he has also conveyed a clear sense of purpose: to train harder, to stay engaged with the national team project, and to be ready when the next opportunity arises. The journey from a disappointing selection moment to becoming a reference point for fans and teammates is a familiar arc for many players who aspire to shape the future of their national squad. [Goal]