From near death to World Cup hero – Jimenez’s tears for MexicoFigure caption, Three red cards shown as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup openerByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished53 minutes agoIt was a moment Raul Jimenez had waited his whole life for – and one that seemed impossible a few years ago.The Mexico striker could have died on the football pitch in November 2020 when a sickening head injury left him with a fractured skull.
Now, less than six years later, the 35-year-old was overcome with emotion when he powered in a header to give Mexico a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the famous Azteca Stadium in the first match of the 2026 World Cup.
Jimenez, who had connected with Roberto Alvarado’s right-wing cross to score his country’s second goal, leapt high, celebrated wildly and then pointed to the sky – seemingly in tribute to his father Raul Jimenez Vega, who died in March.
As the majority of the 80,000 fans went wild, Mexico’s players mobbed the Wolves striker, the achievement sunk in for Jimenez, who was then in tears.
“We really congratulated him because he gives a lot to the team,” mentioned Julian Quinones, who scored in the ninth minute for the opening goal of the competition to put Mexico ahead.
“Being part of a team is our pride and it’s wonderful he continues to add goals to his career as a player in our national team.”
