Jiménez scores first World Cup goal of his career and leads Mexico to opening win over South Africa

The assist for Jiménez's goal was provided by Roberto Alvarado with a cross from the right side. Alvarado subsequently explained that Jiménez had already told him at halftime to play the ball precisely into that zone. "Ich freue mich sehr für Raul, dass er dieses Tor erzielen konnte. Er hatte mir schon in der Halbzeit gesagt, dass ich eine Flanke dorthin schlagen solle", said Alvarado. Jiménez himself was substituted in the 76th minute.

First World Cup goal after a long wait

With 129 appearances, Jiménez is the most experienced outfield player in Mexico's World Cup squad and is already appearing at his fourth World Cup at the 2026 finals. Under national team coach Javier Aguirre, he has scored twelve goals in 20 matches. The tournament in Mexico is thus another chapter in a long international career for the striker.

Jiménez attracted attention, however, not only because of his goal, but also because of his striking headband. Since his comeback in August 2021, he has worn this headgear with a pad above his right ear to protect the scar from his skull surgery at the time. The band has since become a distinctive feature of his game.

The headband as a visible sign of recovery

The background to the headband is a serious incident in November 2020. Jiménez, then active in the Premier League for Wolverhampton Wanderers, collided with David Luiz in a match against Arsenal FC and lost consciousness. The diagnosis: a skull fracture and life-threatening brain injuries requiring emergency surgery. Jiménez was taken to hospital immediately.

After months of rehabilitation, Jiménez returned to the pitch in August 2021 and has worn the protective headband ever since. Just recently, his transfer from Fulham FC back to Wolverhampton Wanderers had also been officially announced — on the Wednesday before the opening match. Jiménez emphasized that the reunion with the Wolves had been an additional emotional part of the evening for him.

Reactions after the match

Following the match, Jiménez spoke openly about his feelings. "Ich bin sehr glücklich und freue mich, diesen Traum leben und hier stehen zu dürfen", he said. He continued: "Meine Gedanken waren schon seit heute Morgen bei dem Spiel und ich habe darauf gebrannt, auf dem Platz zu stehen." With his goal, a long-held wish came true for the striker.

After the opening win, the Mexican team's focus is already on the next group match. On June 19, the match against South Korea is on the schedule, kicking off at 3:00 a.m. CEST. For Jiménez and his team, it will then be about carrying the momentum of the opening win and taking the next step toward the knockout stage.

His first World Cup goal, the comeback after a life-threatening injury, and the characteristic headband make Jiménez the symbolic figure of Mexico's opening. The fact that it was he who scored in the opening match gives the striker's story a special note.