Born to Play: Ernia Meets Santiago Giménez Ahead of the World Cup
Categoria: Musica
The Italian rapper and Mexican AC Milan striker talk about football, music, life and overcoming difficulties ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Santi will play on home soil.
Por Billboard | 09/06/2026
This story is part of Billboard’s Global World Cup Series, a collection of 11 cover stories which pairs top soccer stars across the world competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with highly-touted musicians in accompanying countries. There is one word that footballers and singers have in common: play. In the case of Ernia, one of the most important rappers in Milan and in Italy, it is also about playing with words. He is an AC Milan fan since childhood, despite never having played football. It may seem strange, but Santiago Giménez was also a fan too and now he fulfilled the dream of being Rossoneri’s striker. His idol has always been Kaká. For his footballing quality, but also for his relationship with God. Religion helped him when the dream of becoming a professional footballer was about to be shattered by a serious health problem. Eight years on, things have changed. Santi has won the La Liga MX and triumphed with the national team. The next milestone will come on June 11, when he will kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. The Italian national team sadly won’t be there: “If you don’t deserve it, it’s right that you don’t go,” Ernia explains. A statement that reflects his philosophy: things must be earned on the pitch. Related Joey Bada$ & Miles Robinson Compare Notes on What Drives Them & Why ‘Athletes Love Artists’ Ahead of World Cup These Are the Artists Who Will Be on the Official Album for the FIFA World Cup 2026 World Cup 2026: ‘Dai Dai,’ ‘Champions,’ ‘El Último Baile,’ ‘Jump’ & More Best Songs to Celebrate Billboard Italy : Bebote and Ernia: Two nicknames, two stories. Giménez: It was my family who gave it to me because I was a very big baby. The translation of “Bebote” is literally “big baby.” A friend of my father’s, a television journalist, when I scored my first goal in the First Division shouted: “Goal from El Bebote!” From that moment on, everyone started calling me that. Ernia: My stage name goes back to middle school. I had a classmate, a close friend of mine, who had a hernia, and I used to call her that affectionately. Since everyone kept hearing me repeat that word all the time, it became my nickname. Santi, what do you feel about the idea of playing the World Cup at home? Giménez: It’s an incredible dream. When you wear the national team shirt you represent an entire country, so you have a great responsibility, but at the same time it’s a wonderful thing. I know that Mexico, with its people, at home, is very strong. Santiago Giménez Silvio Deiaco The first match will be Mexico vs. South Africa at the Azteca, a special stadium for you, Santi. Giménez: The first time I stepped on that pitch was with Cruz Azul. It’s a bit like coming home for me, I will relive many beautiful moments. For me, it’s the stadium with the most history at international level. It is hosting the World Cup for the third time, and Pelé and Maradona be