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.
