Many people consider Raúl Jiménez to be one of the best forwards in Mexican football history. Longevity, tenacity, clear objectives, and leadership characterize his global career.
He has solidified his status as one of El Tri’s all-time greats, from the iconic bicycle kick that saved Mexico’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign to his inspirational comeback and heroics on home soil in 2026.
Jimenez is an exception to the rule that Mexican football players have not performed particularly well in Europe in recent years. A fractured skull he sustained in a collision at Arsenal in 2020 ended his eight-year tenure in the Premier League with Wolves and Fulham.
Jimenez returned to action after being sidelined for a long time, but he appeared unconfident following his injury and troubled by the protective headgear he had to wear. Many people consider Raúl Jiménez to be one of the best forwards in Mexican football history.
Longevity, tenacity, clear objectives, and leadership characterize his global career. He has solidified his status as one of El Tri’s all-time greats, from the iconic bicycle kick that saved Mexico’s 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign to his inspirational comeback and heroics on home soil in 2026.
Before making his senior debut for José Manuel de la Torre’s senior team in 2013, Jiménez played for Mexico at the youth level. His breakthrough came that same year when he scored an incredible bicycle kick against Panama in a World Cup qualifying match.
This goal, which is considered one of the most significant in Mexico’s modern football history, propelled the team into the intercontinental playoffs. Despite participating in three tournaments, the World Cup was the one event where he struggled to have a significant scoring impact for the majority of his career.
When Mexico, Canada, and the United States co-hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2026, that drastically changed. After years of disappointment and a remarkable recovery from his head injury, Jiménez scored his first-ever World Cup goal during the tournament’s opening match in front of a sold-out Estadio Azteca.
It was an emotional moment given everything he had overcome. He also got closer to Javier Hernández’s all-time Mexico scoring record with the goal. He surpassed Jared Borgetti to become Mexico’s second-highest goalscorer ever during the 2026 World Cup, with only Javier Hernández surpassing him right now.
Sadly though, Mexico’s tournament ended with an exciting 3-2 home loss to England at the Azteca. Jiménez’s goal sparked a late comeback after England took an early two goal lead, but Mexico’s valiant effort was ultimately unsuccessful.
He became Mexico’s top scorer at the World Cup with his third goal of the competition. Jiménez demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage in football at the age of 35. Throughout the competition, his aspirations, leadership, and experience motivated a Mexican team that thrilled fans.
He left the World Cup having solidified his reputation as one of Mexico’s greatest forwards ever, and his performances, even in defeat, were widely praised. After the team’s elimination in the Round of 16, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre spoke proudly about the team’s run and emphasized the rekindled relationship between the team and the supporters.
Many thought he might never play again after 2020. Following months of recuperation and emergency surgery, he resumed playing football while donning a protective headband.
His comeback with Fulham and Mexico, which culminated in his outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, has become one of football’s most inspirational tales.
