It was a win for Mexico vs South Africa in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener as the co-hosts won 2-0 to start their campaign with a bang. The match was remembered for three red cards being given, and it was a bizarre start to the 23rd edition of the World Cup.
But for Mexico, there was a hero to celebrate. His name is Raul Jimenez.
Story Behind the Goal Celebration
After Julian Quinones gave Mexico the early lead in the 9th minute, it was Jimenez's strike in the 67th minute that doubled Mexico's lead and effectively knocked South Africa out of the game. It was the 35-year-old's first-ever World Cup goal. The nation rejoiced as he found the back of the net, and Jimenez himself went wild with the celebrations. But the reason was more than just the goal; it was the culmination of a struggle that began almost six years back. Jimenez cheated death back then. Yes, you read that right.
© X/FIFA World Cup
What Happened in 2020?
Rewind to the English Premier League on November 29, 2020. The game was between his side, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal. It was during this match that a routine corner kick became a nightmare for the Mexican. The striker had a horrific head-on collision with Arsenal centre-back David Luiz and was seen lying on the pitch without moving. As the stadium became silent, medics rushed to attend to him. It was clear that the injury was serious.
Serious Head Injury
Indeed, it was. Jimenez's skull was fractured. His life was in danger. There was talk if he could ever walk again, let alone play football once more. The man who was a nightmare for the best defences in the Premier League was now fighting his greatest battle off the pitch. The comeback, if there was one at all, would not be easy.
Road to Recovery
It was not. There was physical therapy that lasted months and not to mention getting over the mental trauma of aerial duels plus seeing the new reality for what it was. But after 258 days, Jimenez finally returned to the beautiful game. However, he faced doubts both for club and country because critics wondered if he could still be at his best like before. But the man had a burning desire to play in the FIFA World Cup.
No Goals in World Cups for Some Time
For Jimenez, the World Cup was complicated despite being Mexico's best. In 2014, he was a young prospect, in 2018 was in a supportive role and in 2022, he was rushed back from injury. Not once did he score a goal in those three editions. That was about to change.
Moment of Redemption
It was a moment of redemption that arrived with a little over 20 minutes left on the clock. Jimenez defied the ghosts of 2020 and found the back of the net. After six years, he had beaten the demons that saw him battle for his life. It was a similar situation that nearly caused his death but Jimenez did not hesitate and the ball went past the keeper. The tears in his eyes and the celebration was not just about the goal, it was about the struggle that began in 2020. It was also a silent tribute to his father, the man who inspired him to become a footballer. His father had passed away some months back.
Mexico's High Hopes
Mexico have come away with crucial points and will want to go far in the tournament. Their best performance was finishing in the quarters in 1970 and 1986. Can they go even further now? Only time will tell!