In a Mexico squad still navigating a period of transition, Raul Jimenez stands out as one of the most seasoned figures. His distinguished club career on the other side of the Atlantic has provided him with invaluable experience, yet his previous showings on the sport’s grandest international stage had offered little to suggest that he might chase down the prestigious title of El Tri's all-time top scorer.
That accolade still lies with Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who was there to witness Jiménez’s historic header in the tournament curtain-raiser, this time as a pitch-side pundit.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers warhorse had finally earned his place in the starting line-up in his fourth campaign at the global showpiece. The setting could hardly have been more fitting: Mexico City Stadium, the very venue in which he made his professional bow for Club America 15 years previously. When his chance came, he made no mistake in steering home a powerful headed effort to wrap up all three points against a South Africa outfit that proved a stern test for the co-hosts, who played with a man advantage for most of the second half.
Coach Javier Aguirre put the somewhat flat performance down to nerves and the suffocating pressure of an opening-day showdown in Mexico’s famous footballing cauldron. And it was Jimenez, a man who knows the true meaning of pressure, who stepped up for El Tricolor.
It was a moment that struck a melancholy chord, as the frontrunner fulfilled a promise to his late father, who passed away in March and had been an unwavering pillar of support throughout his son’s career.
His memory now serves as a source of inspiration for the entire national team, as Jimenez’s fellow forward Alexis Vega explained: “It was his first World Cup goal, but it was much more than that," he said. "What mattered most was his dedicating the goal to his dad up in heaven. He’s watching over us, sending us strength. I’m so happy for Raul.”
In the 67th minute, the striker headed home a teasing cross by Roberto Alvarado to double Mexico’s advantage, all the while banishing the nightmare scenario that had played out earlier in his career. Back in 2020, Jimenez sustained a life-threatening skull fracture while playing for Wolves against Arsenal. His father said the injury cost him the chance to progress in the European game when he was at the peak of his powers.
Based on his discussions with the doctors, Jimenez said it was a miracle he survived the injury. The recovery that enabled his improbable return to the pitch was equally remarkable. Now, six years on, he has received his just deserts, starring for his country on the game’s biggest stage and in front of a home crowd.
Aged 35, the resilient striker finally opened his World Cup account with a historic goal. As well as sealing Mexico’s opening-day triumph over Bafana Bafana, it also ended another unwanted streak: it was the first time in eight attempts that El Tricolor had triumphed in their opening game at a World Cup. Jimenez has now scored 46 goals for Mexico and he is rapidly closing in on Hernandez’s all-time record of 52 strikes. But all statistics paled into insignificance when over 80,000 fans erupted around him in Mexico’s most iconic venue, with millions more watching around the country. “Raul says that this will be his World Cup,” Aguirre told sports outlet Once Diario. After yesterday’s performance, it is hard to imagine anyone doubting him.
Sources: FIFA Official
