Christian Giménez (footballer, born 1981)
A creative Argentine-born midfielder who became a beloved figure in Mexican football, known for his vision and powerful left foot.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Mexican footballer and manager·Birthday: February 1·Millennials
Biography
Christian 'Chaco' Giménez carved out a unique transatlantic identity in football. Born in Resistencia, Argentina, his professional journey began in his homeland before a pivotal move to Cruz Azul in Mexico in 2005. It was there that his technical skill and fierce competitive spirit made him a fan favorite. His connection to Mexico deepened when he became a naturalized citizen and earned caps for the Mexican national team, a rare and meaningful transition. After a successful playing career marked by clutch performances in Liga MX, he transitioned seamlessly into management and media, bringing his sharp tactical mind and charismatic personality to commentary booths and the touchline, remaining a respected voice in the game.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Christian was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Christian Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Christian's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 15 caps for the Mexico national team after naturalizing as a Mexican citizen.
- Won the Copa MX with Cruz Azul in the 2013 Clausura tournament.
- Served as captain for Cruz Azul, leading the team during multiple Liga MX campaigns.
- Scored over 50 goals in Mexico's top division from his midfield position.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Chaco' is a common moniker for people from the Chaco region of Argentina.
He began his professional career with Boca Juniors but did not make a first-team league appearance.
He is known for his distinctive celebration, pointing to the sky after scoring.
After retiring, he became a manager for Cancún F.C. in Mexico's second division.
“I arrived in Mexico as a boy and became a man; this country gave me everything.”
