Raul Jimenez’s return to international football at the 2026 World Cup has drawn attention not only for his performances on the field but also for the remarkable journey that brought him back to this stage. The Mexican forward, who suffered a life-threatening skull fracture in November 2020, has defied medical expectations to reestablish himself as a key player for both club and country.
Jimenez’s injury occurred during a Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal, when a head-to-head collision with David Luiz left him unconscious on the pitch. Surgeons operated urgently to relieve bleeding in his brain, and doctors initially described it as a “miracle” that he survived, let alone returned to professional football. After nine months of recovery, Jimenez made a cautious return in the 2021-22 season debut, donning protective headgear designed to mitigate risk when heading the ball.
Although the forward’s comeback was hailed as inspirational, his journey back to pre-injury form proved challenging. He scored just six league goals in his first full season after the injury and failed to find the net in the 2022-23 campaign. Amid these struggles, Jimenez transferred to Fulham, stepping in as a replacement for the departing Aleksandar Mitrovic. At Fulham, he regained some scoring consistency, reaching double figures in total goals for two consecutive seasons while continuing to wear his signature protective mask.
In 2026, after Fulham declined to renew his contract, Jimenez returned to Wolverhampton, then recently relegated to the Championship, on a free transfer. This move preceded Mexico’s World Cup opener held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a venue steeped in personal significance for Jimenez, who debuted there for Club America at age 20.
During Mexico’s opening match against South Africa, Jimenez scored the team’s second goal in front of over 80,000 fans. The emotional strike marked a poignant moment for the 35-year-old, who dedicated the goal to his late father, who had passed away three months prior to the tournament. Jimenez’s celebration, pointing both hands skyward, reflected the weight of his personal and professional trials.
Continuing his vital role in the national team, Jimenez netted a goal in Mexico’s last-32 match against Ecuador, maintaining an impressive scoring rate at the tournament. Alongside striking partner Julian Quinones—recently noted for outperforming prominent scorers Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League—Jimenez is Mexico’s offensive focal point heading into a crucial showdown against England.
Jimenez, a veteran with 129 international caps, has historically been productive against England, having scored six goals in 12 encounters, more than against any other Premier League goalkeeper, including Jordan Pickford. With England’s defense under scrutiny, Mexico will rely heavily on Jimenez’s experience and resilience as they seek to advance further in the competition.