Raul Jimenez Scores First World Cup Goal After Near-Fatal Injury

Raul Jimenez pointed to the sky, tears streaming down his face, after scoring the goal of his lifetime in front of 80,000 roaring fans at Mexico's Azteca Stadium.

The 35-year-old striker had just headed in Mexico's second goal in their 2-0 victory over South Africa in the 2026 World Cup opener. But this wasn't just any goal for Jimenez.

In November 2020, an accidental head clash with an Arsenal defender left him with a fractured skull. He lay unconscious on the pitch while teammates, coaches, and family members feared the worst. Doctors had to give him oxygen on the field.

The recovery took eight grueling months before he could play again. He couldn't even train with other players for six months.

Fast forward to this week, and Jimenez made his first ever World Cup start after six previous appearances as a substitute across three tournaments. In the fourth minute, he nearly scored with a powerful shot that was brilliantly saved.

Then came the 67th minute. Jimenez leapt high to meet a cross from the right wing and powered a header past the goalkeeper. As he celebrated wildly, the emotion hit him like a wave.

His teammate Julian Quinones said it best: "We really congratulated him because he gives a lot to the team. It's wonderful he continues to add goals to his career."

The goal moved Jimenez to joint second in Mexico's all-time scoring list with 46 goals in 125 appearances. He also appeared to dedicate the moment to his father, who passed away in March.

Why This Inspires

Former England striker Ian Wright captured what millions watching felt. "It was very emotional for Raul Jimenez. If it was me, I would probably feel the same," he said. "When he scores the goal as he runs off, you can see the realisation and that is where the emotion comes."

Edu Rubio, who coached Jimenez at Wolves, told BBC Sport the moment would mean the world to him. "After his head injury it took a bit of time to get back into the career. There were not just medical concerns, but also would he be the same killer in front of goal?"

Jimenez answered that question definitively on the biggest stage of his career. He recently rejoined Wolves after a stint at Fulham, bringing his journey full circle to the club where he thrived before the injury.

From lying unconscious on a pitch to scoring at a World Cup in his home country, Jimenez proved that comeback stories aren't just possible—they can be glorious.