Santiago Pérez is carving his own path — not just living off the ‘Conejo’ legacy
Although he acknowledges Óscar ‘Conejo’ Pérez’s influence on his development, the Pachuca striker says he wants to write his own story.
The Pérez name carries weight in Mexican soccer — especially when your father is one of the most iconic goalkeepers the country has ever produced. But 17‑year‑old Santiago Pérez isn’t trying to be the next Óscar “Conejo” Pérez. He’s trying to be the first Santiago.
A rising star in Pachuca’s academy system, the young striker has already built an impressive résumé: five scoring titles across the U‑14, U‑15, and U‑17 levels, plus 78 goals so far in his development with the Tuzos.
And despite growing up in a household defined by goalkeeping, Santiago knew early on that he belonged on the opposite end of the field.
“I tried playing in goal, but scoring was always more fun,” he told AS.
While his father spent a legendary career preventing goals, Santiago is happiest creating them — and the numbers back him up.
“I’m Santiago first — then El Conejo’s son”
Comparisons to his father are inevitable. Santiago gets that. But he’s determined not to let the pressure define him.
“I try to stay focused on my own path. I have to build my own story,” he said. When the comparisons get loud, he reminds himself of one phrase: “I’m Santiago first.”
He’s proud of his father’s legacy — and grateful for the example at home — but he knows he’ll have to earn his own place in Mexican soccer.
Inspired by Santiago Giménez — and dreaming of El Tri
Among the forwards he studies closely, one stands above the rest: Santiago Giménez.
Santiago explained that he watched Giménez’s rise up close when his father worked at Cruz Azul, witnessing his evolution from academy prospect to European standout. He also admires Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón for his physical presence and style inside the box.
As for the Mexican national team, that dream is still on the horizon. Despite his scoring record, he hasn’t yet been contacted by Mexico’s youth teams.
“There hasn’t been any contact yet, but I respect the decisions. I’ll keep working to earn that call‑up,” he said.
Eyes on Pachuca, debuting in Liga MX — and one day, the Premier League
For now, Santiago is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. His priorities are clear: establish himself with Pachuca, make his first‑division debut, and eventually chase another dream he already has mapped out — playing in the Premier League.
The Pérez name is already etched into Mexican soccer history thanks to the Conejo. Now, Santiago is determined to prove he can earn a place of his own.
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