Football is often about moments—glorious victories, heartbreaking losses, and the players who leave a lasting impact on a club. One such player in Wigan Athletic’s history is Franco Di Santo, the Argentine striker who played a key role in the team’s attacking lineup between 2010 and 2013. While he may not have been the most prolific goal-scorer, his contributions to the club, particularly during their historic FA Cup-winning season, have made him a memorable figure among Wigan fans.
The Move to Wigan Athletic
Franco Matías Di Santo was born on April 7, 1989, in Mendoza, Argentina. Like many South American talents, he began his professional football journey in his home country, playing for Audax Italiano in Chile. His performances caught the eye of Chelsea FC, and he made the move to England in 2008, joining the Premier League giants.
However, breaking into Chelsea’s first team was a daunting challenge for a young striker competing with world-class forwards like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka. After a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers, where he gained valuable Premier League experience but failed to make a significant impact, Di Santo sought a fresh start.
In August 2010, Wigan Athletic, under the management of Roberto Martínez, signed Di Santo for an undisclosed fee, offering him the chance to prove himself as a regular starter in the top flight.
Finding His Footing at Wigan
Di Santo arrived at Wigan at a time when the club was fighting to establish itself as a competitive Premier League team. Roberto Martínez, known for his attacking style and focus on possession-based football, saw potential in the young Argentine and gave him regular playing time.
His first season (2010-2011) was a period of adjustment. While he didn’t score in his first campaign, his work rate, movement, and ability to hold up play were noticed. He provided assists and played a crucial role in linking up attacks, even if he wasn’t always on the scoresheet.
The following season (2011-2012) was an improvement, as he started finding the back of the net. His first Wigan goal came against Queens Park Rangers in a 2-0 victory in August 2011. He followed it up with another goal against Everton, showcasing his technical ability and composure.
However, Wigan was constantly battling relegation, and Di Santo’s lack of prolific goal-scoring became a talking point. While he had strength, work ethic, and tactical awareness, his finishing often let him down. Yet, Roberto Martínez continued to back him, believing that his overall contributions were more important than just goals.
2012-2013: A Historic Season and FA Cup Glory
The 2012-2013 season would go down as the most memorable in Wigan Athletic’s history. The club not only fought hard in the Premier League but also embarked on a fairy-tale FA Cup run, leading to an unforgettable triumph at Wembley.
Di Santo played an important role throughout the campaign, contributing to the team’s attacking play. He scored five goals in all competitions, including key performances in cup matches.
His role in the FA Cup was particularly significant. While he didn’t score in the final, he played in earlier rounds and helped Wigan reach the historic Wembley showdown against Manchester City on May 11, 2013.
Wigan, considered massive underdogs against a star-studded City squad featuring Sergio Agüero, Yaya Touré, and Vincent Kompany, shocked the football world with a 1-0 victory. A late Ben Watson header sealed the win, and Di Santo, though coming on as a substitute, celebrated with the squad as Wigan lifted their first-ever major trophy.
Premier League Relegation and Departure from Wigan
Despite the FA Cup triumph, Wigan Athletic suffered relegation from the Premier League just three days later after losing to Arsenal. It was a bittersweet moment for the club and its players.
Relegation meant that Wigan would be playing in the EFL Championship in the 2013-2014 season. Many of the club’s key players, including Di Santo, were faced with decisions about their futures. Given his aspirations to continue playing at the highest level, he chose to leave Wigan at the end of his contract.
Di Santo bid farewell to the club and its fans, grateful for the opportunity and experiences he had gained. His next move was to Germany, where he signed with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Life After Wigan: Bundesliga, La Liga, and South America
His time at Werder Bremen (2013-2015) was arguably the best of his club career. Di Santo found his scoring touch, netting 17 goals in 49 league appearances. His performances attracted the attention of Schalke 04, who signed him in 2015.
At Schalke, he struggled with injuries and form, managing just 5 goals in 49 league matches over three seasons. In 2019, he moved to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, but his stint in Spain was brief.
Eventually, Di Santo returned to South America, playing for Atlético Mineiro in Brazil and later San Lorenzo in Argentina. While his post-Wigan career had ups and downs, he remained a well-respected professional who continued contributing wherever he played.
Legacy at Wigan Athletic
Although Franco Di Santo wasn’t the most prolific striker Wigan ever had, he is fondly remembered for his contributions during a defining era for the club. His hard work, commitment, and role in the FA Cup-winning season ensure that his name remains a part of Wigan’s rich history.
Some key aspects of his Wigan legacy include:
- His work rate and tactical discipline made him a favorite under Roberto Martínez.
- His ability to link up play and create space for teammates was invaluable.
- He was part of the historic FA Cup-winning squad, a moment no Wigan fan will forget.
- His three-year stay at the club saw him develop into a well-rounded forward, even if his goal tally wasn’t extraordinary.
Final Thoughts
Franco Di Santo’s time at Wigan Athletic was a mix of challenges, growth, and triumph. While he may not have been the club’s top scorer, his contributions went beyond statistics. His journey at Wigan is a testament to the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and playing for the badge.
Today, when fans look back at Wigan’s FA Cup-winning squad of 2013, they remember names like Ben Watson, Callum McManaman, and Shaun Maloney—but Franco Di Santo also deserves recognition for his part in that historic journey.
For a striker who once struggled to find his place at Chelsea, Wigan provided him the platform to grow and be part of one of the greatest moments in the club’s history. And for that, his legacy at Wigan Athletic is forever secured.
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