Raúl Jiménez finally claimed his long-awaited spotlight on the global stage. The 35-year-old striker scored Mexico’s second goal in a 2-0 victory over South Africa, marking the nation's opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Jiménez broke down in tears after the strike, his first in World Cup competition. The moment served as powerful redemption following a harrowing skull fracture in 2020 while playing for Wolverhampton. That injury required lifesaving surgery and forced him to wear protective headgear for the remainder of his career.
His journey has been marked by resilience. After a disappointing 2022 tournament where Mexico failed to advance, Jiménez regained his form and starting position under coach Javier Aguirre. "He had always been in someone else’s shadow, but today he is a starter for this team - and he has truly earned it," Aguirre stated.
The performance carried deep personal significance. In March, Jiménez lost his father, Raúl Jiménez Vega. Channeling that grief into motivation, he delivered a defining performance on what his coach described as a "perfect day" for the veteran forward.