Few moments in football carry the weight of what unfolded at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday. Raul Jimenez, the striker who once lay motionless on a pitch fearing for his life, powered home a header in the 67th minute to seal a 2-0 victory for Mexico over South Africa in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the goal went in, Jimenez leapt, raised his fist, and then pointed skyward — a tribute, it seemed, to his father Raul Jimenez Vega, who passed away in March. Moments later, surrounded by team-mates in front of 80,000 roaring fans, the 35-year-old broke down in tears.
A goal five years in the making
In November 2020, a sickening accidental clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz left Jimenez unconscious on the pitch with a fractured skull. His team-mates, manager, and family stood watching, unsure whether he was still alive as medical staff administered oxygen.
The road back was long. Jimenez was barred from training with other players for six months and did not feature for Wolverhampton Wanderers again for eight months. His first goal after the injury finally came in September 2021 — a winner at Southampton in a 1-0 victory.
He later moved to Fulham in 2023 and spent three seasons with the Cottagers before completing a return to Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week — the club he now represents as he plays the biggest matches of his career.
Record-breaking night at the Azteca
Thursday's header was Jimenez's 46th goal in 125 appearances for Mexico, drawing him level for second place on the country's all-time scoring list — behind only Javier Hernandez, who holds the record on 52 goals.
It was also his first ever start at a FIFA World Cup. In three previous tournaments — 2014, 2018, and 2022 — he had appeared only as a substitute, making six appearances in total. On his first start, he almost struck inside four minutes, forcing South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a fine save from a half-volley.
Julian Quinones had put Mexico ahead in the 9th minute with the opening goal of the entire 2026 World Cup, and Jimenez's second-half header — connecting with a right-wing cross from Roberto Alvarado — confirmed co-hosts Mexico's winning start.
'A dream come true'
Edu Rubio, who served as Wolverhampton Wanderers' assistant manager in 2022-23 and now works as assistant head coach at Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, was among those moved by the moment.
