Three goals into his first World Cup, Julian Quinones has made it impossible to ignore him. The Mexico forward — unknown to most global football fans just weeks ago — has emerged as one of the tournament's breakthrough figures, and England are next in his path.

From Colombia to Mexican football royalty

Quinones was born and raised in Colombia, but his prolific youth form for Paz attracted the attention of Mexican giants Tigres. His start in senior football was difficult, and he struggled to break into the Tigres first team consistently. A loan spell at top-flight rivals BUAP offered a glimpse of his potential, the then-20-year-old scoring 17 goals in 28 league appearances.

The real turning point came with a permanent move to Atlas in 2021. There, Quinones helped the club claim the 2021 Apertura, the 2022 Clausura, and the Campeon de Campeones in 2022. His performances earned him a place in the Liga MX all-star team and the award for the division's best attacking midfielder.

A move to América followed, where he repeated the feat — winning further silverware in an almost identical trophy haul to his Atlas days. His Mexican titles now total six. After spending sufficient time in the country to qualify for citizenship, Quinones made his international debut for Mexico in 2023.

Saudi Arabia's golden boot winner

In the summer of 2024, Al-Qadsiah of the Saudi Pro League signed Quinones for a reported $16 million (£12 million). What followed was one of the most prolific individual seasons in the league's recent history. Quinones scored 33 goals in 31 league matches — better than a goal per game — claiming the golden boot ahead of Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo, with three hat-tricks along the way.

Lighting up the World Cup

At 29, Quinones arrived at this World Cup in the form of his life, and he has not disappointed. He opened his account by netting the first goal of the tournament as Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. He then added another in the group stage against the Czech Republic, before scoring the opener in Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador in the round of 32.

Three goals, three victories, and a place in the last 16. Now, with England standing between Mexico and the quarter-finals, Quinones will be the forward the opposition defence fears most.