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Raul Jimenez finally has his moment of glory in a World Cup for Mexico.
The 35-year-old striker broke down in tears after scoring El Tri’s second goal against South Africa as Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory.
It was the first World Cup goal for Jiménez, who suffered a fractured skull while playing for Wolverhamptonn on November 29, 2020 and required life-saving surgery.
Within two weeks, Jiménez was back training. He made a full recovery several months later, but the injury forced him to wear a protective helmet for the rest of his career.
Jiménez suffered further injuries and dips in form in the years that followed, including a poor 2022 World Cup. He failed to score as Mexico failed to reach the round of 16 for the first time since 1978.
Perhaps his greatest moment for Mexico was a bicycle kick in a victory over Panama in 2014 World Cup qualifying, which was honored as CONCACAF Goal of the Year. He was a reserve player for El Tri during this tournament in Brazil.
“I read an interview where he said this should be his World Cup,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “I think he’s off to a good start. He’s always been in someone else’s shadow, but today he’s a starter for this team – and he really deserves it.”
In March, Jiménez lost his biggest supporter when his father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, died at age 62. Jiménez cried after scoriFulham Fulham on March 21 at BurnleyBurnley.
“On top of that, he was dealing with a personal situation that could have given him extra motivation,” Aguirre said. “And he even scored a goal. It was a perfect day for him.”
Associated Press reporting.
