When the Rossoneri returned to the field for training on Tuesday, March 10, their first session after the derby, the atmosphere at Milanello was more positive than usual. Not just because of the city-rival victory, but also because Santiago Gimenez returned to group training that very Tuesday. In the days prior, the coach had said in the usual pre-match conferences that the Mexican was increasingly close to a full recovery, and finally, that day had arrived. The number 7 was welcomed and celebrated by the team and completed the entire training session outdoors. Santiago’s last appearance in a match was on October 25, 2025, in Bergamo against Atalanta, a game that ended 1-1, during which he was substituted due to an ankle problem. Initially treated with conservative therapy, it was later decided he would need surgery, and in the end, Gimenez was sidelined for five months.
Briefly revisiting Gimenez’s career with the Rossoneri, Santiago arrived in Milan on February 3, 2025, signing a contract until June 30, 2029. His start was encouraging: a goal on his debut against Empoli, a Champions League goal in the return match against Feyenoord, and a goal against Verona that secured three points with a 1-0 win. Those three goals in his first four matches gave fans hope that he could be the spark Milan needed to turn around what had been a disappointing season, but in the end, that spark faded to ash, and the Mexican struggled along with the rest of the team. In 14 Serie A matches and 2 Champions League games, he finished with 6 goals and 2 assists. Certainly, six months of football isn’t enough to define a great striker, especially considering the differences between Italian and Dutch leagues, the time needed to adapt, and the difficult period the team as a whole went through last season. Starting the new season with all the excitement, including that of the fans, the story didn’t change, in fact, it even got worse. In the 11 games he played (2 in the Coppa Italia and 9 in Serie A) he scored only one goal, in the second round of the Coppa Italia against Lecce, as relayed via Milan News.
Gimenez’s attachment to the shirt is unquestionable and well-documented. This is shown by the many photos he has posted over time on his social media, depicting him as a boy wearing a Milan shirt, by his words expressing deep love for the Rossoneri colors, and by his desire to stay at Milan to prove his true value even when it might have been easier to switch clubs. Above all, it is shown by the determination and drive he has always brought to the pitch, regardless of goals. Perhaps this long absence has helped him reset the first nine challenging months, clear his mind, and restart the way we are sure he can. He will certainly be called upon by coach Allegri not only because he never leaves any of his players behind, but also because up front the Rossoneri are a bit stretched, not in numbers but in physical form, with Leao and Pulisic in particular. Paradoxically, this also makes another key forward in the squad available again, alongside Fullkrug, who, unlike the German, could offer more offensive mobility at the expense of the pure “target man” style of Niclas. The contribution he can make will certainly be important, and we will see if, as early as the match in Rome against Lazio, Santiago can step back onto that green field and wear the colors he has dreamed of since childhood, aiming to finally spark the love story with the team of his heart.
