Who is Raul Jimenez? All about Mexico’s goal scorer in World Cup opener win against South Africa

The moment Raul Jimenez headed Roberto Alvarado's cross into the net, the noise inside the Azteca Stadium became almost secondary. Mexico had moved closer to a winning start against South Africa, but attention shifted to the veteran striker standing near the corner flag, pointing toward the sky with tears in his eyes.For Jimenez, this was more than a goal. It was his first World Cup goal, scored on home soil, in front of more than 80,000 fans, after a career that has included a life-threatening injury and recent personal loss.Jimenez is one of Mexico's most accomplished forwards of the modern era. The striker has represented Club America, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, and now returns to Wolves after completing a move from the Premier League side.For more than a decade, he has been a key figure for Mexico's national team. His goal against South Africa moved him level with Jared Borgetti on 46 international goals, leaving only Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez ahead of him on Mexico's all-time scoring chart.Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium.Julian Quinones scored the tournament's opening goal before Jimenez doubled the advantage in the second half with a header from Alvarado's delivery. It was the first World Cup goal of Jimenez's career despite previous appearances in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.His emotional celebration quickly became one of the defining images of the opening match.The goal carried additional meaning because Jimenez's father, Raul Jimenez Vega, passed away in March.After scoring, the Mexico striker pointed skyward before becoming emotional as teammates gathered around him. The tribute echoed an earlier celebration he made shortly after his father's death.The moment added another chapter to a career already marked by adversity. In 2020, Jimenez suffered a fractured skull following a collision with Arsenal defender David Luiz, an injury that threatened both his career and his life.Daniela Basso is a Mexican actress and television personality known for projects including Simplemente María and Como Dice el Dicho.She has been in a relationship with Jimenez since 2017 and remained by his side during his lengthy recovery from the serious head injury he suffered in England. In February 2025, the couple announced their engagement following a proposal in the Swiss Alps.Jimenez and Basso have two children.Their daughter, Arya, was born in July 2020, while their son, Ander, arrived on May 5, 2022, which also happens to be Jimenez's birthday.As Mexico pursues a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, Jimenez will have the support of both a football-loving nation and the family that has stood beside him through the highest and lowest moments of his career.