Raúl Jiménez

Forward · Mexico · #9

2026 FIFA World Cup Player Profile

Who Is Raúl Jiménez?

Raúl Jiménez is a prolific Mexican forward standing at 6'2" and renowned for his aerial dominance, clinical finishing, and towering presence in the penalty area. As one of Mexico’s most experienced players with 53 international caps and 29 goals, Jiménez is a cornerstone of El Tri’s attacking core heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 34 years old, he brings a blend of leadership, technical ability, and big-game experience to a Mexican side aiming to make a deep run on home soil. His physical profile and set-piece mastery make him a constant threat in all competitions, including the Premier League with Fulham, where he provides both goals and leadership in 2025–26.

Early Life and Childhood

Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez was born on November 5, 1991, in the small industrial town of Tepeji, Hidalgo, Mexico. Raised in a working-class family, Jiménez grew up in a nurturing environment where football was more than a game—it was a way of life. The youngest of three siblings, he spent countless hours playing barefoot on dusty pitches in the outskirts of Tepeji, often against older children, which sharpened his resilience and determination. His father worked in construction, and his mother, although not directly involved in football, played a quiet but critical role in supporting his early ambitions. Local coaches quickly recognized his natural athleticism and instinct for goal, traits that set him apart from his peers even in his early teens.

Jiménez’s passion for football was deeply influenced by the Club América youth system, which dominated Mexican football in the early 2000s. While he didn’t formally train with América as a youth, he idolized strikers like Luis Roberto Alves "Zague" and Cuauhtémoc Blanco, whose physical presence and goal-scoring prowess left a lasting impression. His upbringing in a football-loving region—Hidalgo being a cradle of Mexican footballers including Carlos Vela and Néstor Araujo—exposed him to high expectations and a culture of excellence. Despite limited resources, Jiménez’s family prioritized his development, securing him a spot in local youth tournaments where scouts began to take notice.

Youth Career

Jiménez’s formal football journey began at San Juan del Río FC, a regional academy in Querétaro, where he developed under coaches who emphasized both technical skill and tactical awareness. By age 13, his potential was undeniable: a lanky, ball-playing center-forward with a unique ability to hold up play and link with teammates while also scoring acrobatic goals. His performances in U-15 tournaments in central Mexico earned him a move to Club América’s youth academy in 2008, a pivotal moment in his career.

At América, Jiménez was part of a golden generation that included future internationals like Oribe Peralta and Miguel Layún. Initially deployed as a defensive midfielder due to his height and physicality, he gradually transitioned to a primary striker role, where his hold-up play and heading ability flourished. He helped América win the 2008–09 Clausura (U-20) in 2009, a tournament where he finished as top scorer, showcasing his predatory instincts in the box. Professionally, he turned senior at 19 years old after impressing in preseason training with the first team. His progression through América’s ranks was rapid, culminating in his senior debut in October 2010 under coach Carlos Reinoso, a moment he later described as the realization of a childhood dream. Although hampered by injuries early in his senior career, he became the youngest player to score for América in a CONCACAF Champions League match at 20, a record that underscored his potential.

Professional Club Career

Raúl Jiménez’s professional odyssey reflects a career shaped by ambition, resilience, and tactical evolution, culminating in a 2025–26 season at Fulham FC in the English Premier League. His journey from Club América to Europe’s elite leagues highlights his ability to adapt across cultures and footballing systems.

Club América

Jiménez made his senior debut for Club América on September 9, 2010, in a league match against San Luis. Playing sporadically in his early years due to competition from established forwards, he gradually carved out a starting role. His breakthrough came in the 2013 Clausura, where he scored 8 goals in 15 appearances, including crucial strikes in derbies against Chivas and Cruz Azul. That season, he helped América win the Liga MX title, though his contribution was limited due to injury. His Champions League exploits were more influential: he scored a memorable header in the 2013–14 CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against Tijuana and started in the final, a 3-1 aggregate victory over Cruz Azul that secured América’s sixth continental title. By the time he departed in summer 2014, Jiménez had made 97 appearances and scored 24 goals, establishing himself as one of Liga MX’s most promising young forwards.

Atlético Madrid

Jiménez’s move to Atlético Madrid in January 2015 marked a seismic shift in his career. Initially signed as a backup to established stars like Diego Godín and Antoine Griezmann, he was loaned almost immediately to Benfica in Portugal, a strategic decision that allowed him to thrive in a system suited to his strengths. At Benfica, he became a vital part of a treble-winning side, scoring 20 goals in all competitions during the 2015–16 season and lifting the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal, and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. His partnership with talents like Nicolás Gaitán and Pizzi exposed his ability to play in a fluid 4-4-2, linking defense to attack. Returning to Atlético for the 2016–17 season, Jiménez made 33 appearances and scored 6 goals, forming a formidable duo with Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro. His crowning moment came in the 2018 UEFA Europa League final, where he started alongside Griezmann, helping Atlético claim the trophy with a 3-0 final win over Marseille. Though often a rotational player, his work rate, pressing, and aerial presence made him a cult hero. His time in Madrid concluded in summer 2019 with a permanent transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers, for a reported £30 million—then a club-record fee.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Jiménez’s Premier League tenure began spectacularly. His debut on August 11, 2019, in a 0-0 draw with Leicester City was unremarkable, but his trajectory shifted quickly. By October, he had formed an effective strike partnership with Diogo Jota, culminating in a 17-goal season in 2019–20 despite missing the final three months after his clash with Virgil van Dijk in November 2020—a tackle that fractured his skull. Diagnosed with a depressed skull fracture, Jiménez underwent emergency surgery and returned the following October, playing limited minutes and scoring sporadically. His influence waned under subsequent managers, and he departed midway through the 2022–23 season. Over four Premier League seasons, he scored 45 goals in 108 appearances, becoming a symbol of Wolves’ resilient eras under Nuno Espírito Santo and Bruno Lage. His legacy at Molineux is defined by grit, goal-scoring under pressure, and an indomitable spirit.

Fulham FC

Jiménez’s move to Fulham in January 2023 signaled a new chapter. Initially brought in as a late substitute for the injured Aleksandar Mitrović, he slotted into Marco Silva’s system seamlessly as a target man and pressing forward. In the 2023–24 season, he scored 10 goals in 26 appearances, including crucial late winners against Manchester United and Brighton. As of the 2025–26 season, Jiménez remains a first-choice striker for Fulham under new manager Marco Silva, providing experience and composure in a squad transitioning through youth and international integration. With 12 goals in all competitions by mid-season 2025–26, he has stabilized the attack and mentored younger forwards like João Neves and Fode Ballo-Touré. His leadership and penalty-taking acumen have made him indispensable in top-flight campaigns.

International Career

Raúl Jiménez’s international career is a chronicle of consistency and big-game reliability. He made his senior debut for Mexico on November 13, 2013, in a friendly against Germany, scoring within seven minutes of stepping onto the pitch. That goal announced the arrival of a new generation of Mexican attackers, one that included Chicharito and Oribe Peralta.

Jiménez established himself as the first-choice striker during the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he scored five goals—including the winner in the final against Jamaica—en route to the Golden Boot and Best Player award. That performance cemented his place in Miguel Herrera’s early selections and established his reputation as a clutch performer under pressure. By the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, he had become Mexico’s main attacking outlet, scoring twice in the group stage, including a crucial opener against Portugal. He was Mexico’s top scorer in World Cup qualifiers for the 2018 cycle, netting 7 goals in 9 games to help El Tri qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

His leadership was further solidified under Juan Carlos Osorio and later Gerardo Martino, playing in multiple editions of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Copa América Centenario (2016), and the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which Mexico won. By 2026, with 53 caps and 29 international goals, Jiménez is Mexico’s fourth-highest all-time scorer and a vocal leader in the dressing room. Despite the emergence of younger forwards like Santiago Giménez and Fidel Escobar, Jiménez remains a trusted option in CONCACAF tournaments and World Cup qualifiers, his heading accuracy and positional play making him especially effective in high-pressing systems.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Raúl Jiménez’s World Cup experience remains a defining narrative of his career, though his goal-scoring record has yet to match his club exploits. He made his only World Cup appearance to date at the 2018 tournament in Russia, playing a pivotal role in Mexico’s Group Stage campaign. Starting all three matches, Jiménez was part of a fluid front three alongside Chicharito and Hirving Lozano. He was a constant threat in transition, pressing defenders and stretching play with aerial runs. In the 1-0 win over Germany in Moscow, Jiménez was instrumental in winning aerial duels and pressing Toni Kroos, though Mexico’s defensive stability was the star. His work rate and mobility contrasted with his reputation as a target man, adding unpredictability to El Tri’s midfield transitions.

The Round of 16 clash against Brazil saw Jiménez press aggressively, though he was ultimately denied by Alisson’s heroics. Mexico’s 2-0 loss ended their campaign, but Jiménez’s performance drew praise from pundits, with former Mexico coach Miguel Herrera calling him “the most complete striker we’ve had in years.” As Mexico co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jiménez returns at 34—but with a deeper understanding of the tournament’s intensity and the pressure of playing at home. While age may reduce his minutes, his leadership and set-piece delivery could be vital in a congested CONCACAF group featuring the USA, Canada, and Costa Rica. Given Mexico’s recent struggles with depth at striker, Jiménez’s tournament IQ and big-game experience position him as a potential difference-maker in knockout rounds if called upon.

Playing Style

Raúl Jiménez is a hybrid forward: part poacher, part target man, part pressing machine. His 6'2" frame and 168 lbs make him a physical presence capable of holding up play under pressure, winning aerial duels against center-backs twice his height. His preferred foot is right, but he is comfortable finishing with either, often twisting defenders to create shooting angles in the box. Jiménez excels in half-spaces, drifting into channels to connect midfield to attack, a trait honed during his time under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.

Tactically, he functions best in 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 systems, where his hold-up play enables counterattacks and second-ball retrieval. His pressing intensity is high: he frequently harries defenders and forces turnovers, especially in transitional moments. Set-pieces are a cornerstone of his game—he scored 8 goals from dead balls across his Premier League career, with his ability to curve right-footed deliveries into the top corner a signature move. Defensively, he tracks back with surprising energy, pressing opposing fullbacks and midfielders, a reflection of his high football IQ. While not a dynamic dribbler, his game-changing moments often come from movement, timing, and aerial dominance. Deployed as a lone striker or paired with a mobile partner (like Jota at Wolves), Jiménez maximizes his strengths through positional discipline and clinical accuracy inside the 18-yard box.

Records and Achievements

• Club Honours
• CONCACAF Champions League: 2013–14
• Primeira Liga: 2015–16, 2016–17
• Taça de Portugal: 2015–16
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2017–18

• International Honours
• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2015, 2019
• CONCACAF Nations League: 2021

• Individual Awards
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Player: 2015
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Scorer: 2015

Career Statistics

Raúl Jiménez’s career has been defined by resilience and sustained impact rather than sporadic bursts. His most prolific season came in 2019–20 with Wolves, when he scored 17 goals in all competitions before his career-altering collision with Virgil van Dijk in November 2020. That injury—leading to a fractured skull and a year-long rehabilitation—marked a turning point, after which his pace and explosiveness declined. Despite that setback, Jiménez returned stronger at Fulham, rediscovering form in the 2023–24 season with 10 goals in 26 matches. As of the 2025–26 season, he remains Fulham’s leading striker in league play, adapting his game to prioritize hold-up play and precision over speed. His net worth of $50 million+ reflects a career that bridged Liga MX, La Liga, the Premier League, and international glory, making him one of Mexico’s most financially successful footballers of his generation.

Net Worth and Endorsements

Raúl Jiménez’s net worth is estimated at $50 million+, a figure accrued through club salaries, endorsements, and smart investments. As of 2025–26, his primary commercial partnerships include Nike, where he has been a global ambassador since 2020, featuring in campaigns alongside players like Kylian Mbappé. Jiménez is also a long-standing face for BBVA México, appearing in banking and financial literacy initiatives, reflecting his appeal among younger audiences. Additionally, he has endorsement deals with Corona México, leveraging his popularity in North America, and Konami’s eFootball, where he serves as a brand ambassador for the football simulation game. While his business ventures remain private, industry sources suggest he has invested in real estate in Texas and Mexico, capitalizing on his transatlantic lifestyle. Jiménez’s clean public image and consistent performances make him an attractive partner for brands seeking authentic athletic representation.

Salary and Contract

As of the 2025–26 season, Raúl Jiménez earns a reported £80,000 per week at Fulham FC, according to salary monitoring platform Spotrac. This figure reflects a long-term contract signed in summer 2023, following Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League, with an initial duration of three years and an option for a further 12 months. His contract reportedly includes a £30 million release clause, set to activate if Fulham qualify for the UEFA Champions League. While not among the highest earners in the Premier League, Jiménez’s salary places him in the top 15% of Fulham’s squad and reflects his mentorship role in a rebuilding phase. He has no reported clauses preventing him from playing in CONCACAF tournaments, allowing full availability for Mexico in 2026.

Personal Life

Raúl Jiménez maintains a highly private personal life, defying the common narrative of married professional footballers with public weddings. As of March 2026, his spouse or partner is listed as private, with no verified public information regarding their identity, relationship timeline, or marital status. Despite rigorous media scrutiny, no engagement announcements, wedding photos, or family portraits have been confirmed by reputable outlets, suggesting a deliberate separation between Jiménez’s public and private spheres.

What is publicly known is that Jiménez is deeply connected to his family in Hidalgo, particularly his mother and siblings, who have attended his matches in both Mexico and Europe. He is often seen visiting Tepeji during off-seasons and has donated football equipment to local youth academies in his hometown, including kits and boots distributed through his foundation. In interviews, Jiménez has spoken warmly about his parents, crediting his mother’s support during his early struggles with injuries and identity crises in Spain. While he avoids discussing his romantic life, he has expressed interest in potential fatherhood, telling Marca in 2023, “Family is everything, and one day I hope to share that joy with someone who understands the path I’ve walked.”

Off the pitch, Jiménez is known for his disciplined lifestyle: no social media presence, minimal nightlife, and a focus on fitness, meditation, and diet. He practices Jiu-Jitsu, having trained under a black belt in Wolverhampton, a habit he continues in London to manage stress and maintain flexibility. He is also an avid reader, particularly of biographies of business leaders and athletes, including books on resilience and peak performance. Since moving to Fulham, he has been spotted supporting local charities, including