Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Friday, June 12, 2026, 08:33 / Updated Friday, June 12, 2026 08:33
Raúl Jiménez (35), the author of Mexico's second goal against South Africa (2-0), suffered a serious skull fracture in November 2021 and was sidelined for 8 months.
Javier Aguirre's 'newbie' put an end to the excitement of an entire nation with his 67th-minute winner. Raul Jimenez, 1.89m tall, made it 2-0 with a header from Alvarado's cross.
A goal and a presence that he would not even have dared to dream of in November 2021. At that time he was wearing the shirt of Wolverhampton, and in a match with Arsenal he suffered a serious injury, which could have ended his career.
Raul Jimenez suffered a skull fracture in 2021 and is wearing a brace
On a free kick executed in the penalty area, the Mexican striker collided head-on with Brazilian defender David Luiz. Like Cristi Chivu when he played at Inter, Jimenez suffered a skull fracture.
The medical staff immediately intervened to give the players first aid. The Mexican striker needed the most attention, lying on the pitch for several minutes before being taken off on a stretcher and taken to hospital.
The injury not only endangered his sports career, but also his life. A few years later, the player himself recalled that moment in the BBC documentary “Code Red”, admitting that he has no clear memories of the incident: “I don't remember much,” he admitted.
From the hospital to the World Cup 2022, in Qatar
The recovery process was long and demanding, both physically and mentally. “I wanted to get back to the same level, but also to show that I'm stronger,” said the Mexican striker, also highlighting the support he received during his recovery from both his teammates, the club and the fans.
Eight months after the injury, Jiménez returned to the pitch in a friendly match between Wolverhampton and Crewe Alexandra, but with a protection in the temple area that became part of his equipment.
And in the first part of the 2022 – 2023 season, he played so well that he found himself in Mexico's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he made 3 appearances.
