MEXICO CITY — If surviving a near-fatal skull fracture is a miracle, then what do we call an athlete who not only survives but continues to compete at the highest level, representing his country in the FIFA World Cup?
By all accounts, Raúl Jiménez shouldn’t have been starting in Mexico‘s opening match on June 11.
Nearly six years prior to stepping on the iconic Estadio Azteca pitch, the Mexican international suffered a devastating blow to his head that not only raised doubts about the future of his career but also his very life. During a Premier League match while playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Arsenal in November 2020, a violent clash with defender David Luiz rendered Jiménez unconscious on the field, causing immense concern amongst teammates and coaching staff.
“Some memories you can choose to forget, but this moment will stick with me forever, especially that noise,” recalled former coach Nuno Espírito Santo in a Wolves documentary. “Then you hear: ‘Code red, code red.’”
“Is he alive? What’s ‘code red?’”
Jiménez recognizes how fortunate he is to still be alive after being rushed to the hospital.
During this critical time, soccer took a back seat. With difficulty even eating due to subtle jaw movements or walking after spending ten days in the hospital, thoughts of scoring goals were far from his mind. For over six months, he had to place those aspirations on hold, eventually making a miraculous return by summer 2021, donning a cushioned headband for the remainder of his career.
Though back in action, Jiménez understood he needed to approach his journey with patience. He knew his moment would eventually arrive on the grandest stage of them all.
Upon closer inspection, the scar is unmistakable.
When meeting with the media ahead of the World Cup, Jiménez’s scar, running from his right temple to his ear, serves as a prominent reminder of his journey. At 35, he feels no urgency to hide it and remains steadfast in his World Cup ambitions.
The connection Jiménez has with the historic Estadio Azteca is profound. It’s where he began his career with Club América, a powerhouse in Mexico’s Liga MX. At the Azteca, he not only scored his first professional goal but also lifted his first Liga MX championship trophy.
With Mexico co-hosting this year’s World Cup, another dream unfolded: scoring at his old stomping grounds. This wasn’t just any goal, but his first-ever in World Cup competition, having participated in four previous tournaments with his national squad.
Since his first World Cup selection twelve years ago, Jiménez has evolved from a promising 20-something about to sign with Atlético Madrid. The once-humble, video-game-loving young man from Tepeji has transitioned through teams like Benfica, Wolves, and Fulham. Post-World Cup, he’s set to return to Wolves with a two-year contract and an option for a third.
Now a seasoned presence, surpassing only the 40-year-old goalkeeping icon Guillermo Ochoa, Jiménez has taken on the role of elder statesman within Mexico’s World Cup roster.
Jiménez’s ambitions extend to mentoring the next generation of strikers. With only six goals shy of becoming the national team’s next all-time top scorer, he’s dedicated to empowering the forwards who will replace him, mentioning players like Armando González of Chivas and AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez.
While they’ll have their moments, this summer has been Jiménez’s time to shine. Almost six years after his life-altering injury, he’s achieved a major career milestone.
Once tentative when approaching high balls, Jiménez expertly headed the ball into the net and was overcome with emotion, shedding tears and pointing to the sky on his triumphant return.
The journey continues. With Jiménez spearheading the attack, Mexico finished the group stage victorious in all three games, qualifying for the knockout rounds. This Tuesday, they’re set to return to the Azteca for a round-of-32 clash against Ecuador, with the possibility of returning to Mexico City once again on July 5. Regardless of whether he scores again, Jiménez is grateful to be playing and part of the national team.