Raul Jimenez, left, made his international debut in 2013 and has scored 46 times for Mexico. | Photo Credit: AP

Raul Jimenez’s protective head guard is more than just a part of his matchday look. It is a reminder of the night that nearly ended his career.

Jimenez had surgery in late November 2020 after a clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz during a Premier League game. He collided with Luiz while jumping for the ball at a corner and was wheeled off the field wearing an oxygen mask. The Mexico forward, then playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers, suffered a fractured skull and required emergency treatment in London.

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After months of recovery, Jimenez returned to football in August 2021, wearing a custom, medically approved protective head guard. He has continued to use it since then and is expected to wear it for the rest of his career.

The injury hasn’t hindered his game with the forward scoring 23 goals for Mexico since 2020, including his team’s second goal in the 2026 World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday.

Jimenez remains one of the senior figures in the squad. Since making his national-team debut in 2013, he has scored 46 goals for Mexico and continues to lead the line for El Tri.

Published on Jun 12, 2026