Career Timeline of Raúl Jiménez: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2025

How Raúl Jiménez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Raúl Jiménez is a Mexican professional footballer, currently a striker for Fulham in the Premier League and a member of the Mexico national team. He is known for his goal-scoring ability and physical presence on the field. His career has seen him play for clubs in Mexico, Spain, Portugal and England. He also represents his nation at the international level.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 2011: First division debut with Club América

In October 2011, Raúl Jiménez debuted in the first division with Club América.

October 2011: Professional Debut for Club América

On 9 October 2011, Raúl Jiménez made his professional debut for Club América during the Apertura tournament against Monarcas Morelia, in a match that ended in a 1–1 draw. He then scored his first goal on 30 October in a 2–3 loss to Puebla.

2012: Secures Spot in América's Starting Eleven

After participating in the Summer Olympics, Raúl Jiménez secured a spot in América's starting eleven for the Apertura 2012 tournament. He scored on 15 September in a 2–0 victory over Santos Laguna. He ended the tournament with sixteen appearances and four goals.

2012: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2012, Jiménez was part of the Mexico under-23 squad that won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics.

2012: Clausura Tournament Participation

In 2012, Raúl Jiménez participated in the Clausura tournament, scoring his first goal of the tournament on 9 March in a 1–1 draw against Tijuana. América was eventually eliminated in the semi-finals by Monterrey.

August 2013: Scoring Streak in the Apertura Tournament

In August 2013, Raúl Jiménez started the Apertura tournament strongly, scoring his first goal in the 3–0 win over Atlas and continuing to score in the next three matches.

2013: First Championship with América

In 2013, Jiménez won his first championship with Club América in the Clausura tournament, becoming the team's second-highest goalscorer.

2013: Clausura Tournament Success

Raúl Jiménez had a successful Clausura 2013 tournament, scoring two goals in the 4–0 victory over Atlante on 19 January and contributing significantly to América's championship win, including scoring in the penalty shoot-out in the final against Cruz Azul.

2013: International Debut

Since 2013, Jiménez has been a full international player for Mexico, representing his country at various tournaments.

August 2014: Agreement and Debut with Atlético Madrid

In August 2014, Atlético Madrid reached an agreement with Club América for Raúl Jiménez for €11 million, and he signed a six-year deal. He debuted on 16 August in the Ramón de Carranza Trophy against Sampdoria.

August 2014: Joins Atlético Madrid

In August 2014, Jiménez joined the Spanish side Atlético Madrid.

August 2014: La Liga Debut

In August 2014, Raúl Jiménez made his La Liga debut for Atlético Madrid in a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano on 25 August.

August 2014: Final Games with América

In August 2014, Raúl Jiménez played his final games for América, including scoring a hat-trick against Puebla on 4 August and providing an assist in the win against Tigres UANL on 9 August.

2014: Participated in the FIFA World Cup

In 2014, Jiménez represented Mexico at the FIFA World Cup.

2014: Clausura Tournament Performance

In 2014, Raúl Jiménez made 17 appearances in the Clausura tournament, scoring 8 goals. He scored a hat-trick against Santos Laguna on 30 April, but América was eliminated from the playoffs.

August 2015: Joins Benfica

In August 2015, Raúl Jiménez joined Portuguese champions Benfica on a five-year deal for €9.836 million.

August 2015: Failed Transfer to West Ham United

In August 2015, Raúl Jiménez was expected to join West Ham United but failed to show up for his medical. His agent suggested he spurn the move, in favor of a move to Primeira Liga side Benfica.

2015: Transfer to Benfica

In 2015, Benfica spent €9.836 million to bring Jiménez to the club. The €9.836 million may have included a €1 million transfer fee, and €3 million to acquire 50% of the player's economic rights.

2015: Participated in the Copa América Tournament

In 2015, Jiménez represented Mexico at the Copa América tournament.

March 2016: Champions League Quarter-Finals

In March 2016, Raúl Jiménez helped Benfica reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League and contributed to a 2–1 away victory against Zenit Saint Petersburg on 9 March.

July 2016: Benfica Purchases Remaining Economic Rights

In July 2016, Benfica purchased the remaining 50% of Jiménez's economic rights for €12 million, potentially making him the most expensive player in Portuguese football history.

2016: Participated in the Copa América Tournament

In 2016, Jiménez represented Mexico at the Copa América tournament.

2017: Participated in the FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2017, Jiménez represented Mexico at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

June 2018: Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

In June 2018, Jiménez joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan and became the team's top scorer with 17 goals across all competitions.

2018: Participated in the FIFA World Cup

In 2018, Jiménez represented Mexico at the FIFA World Cup.

March 2019: Ties Goal-Scoring Record and FA Cup Semi-Final

In March 2019, Raúl Jiménez tied Steven Fletcher's record for most Premier League goals scored in a single season for Wolves, and he also scored the winning goal against Manchester United to advance to the FA Cup semi-final.

July 2019: Excused from Pre-Season Tour

In July 2019, Raúl Jiménez was excused by Nuno Espírito Santo from attending the team's pre-season tour in China to rest after his summer activity with the Mexico national team.

2019: Participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2019, Jiménez represented Mexico at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

June 2021: Contract Extension with Benfica

On 29 June 2018, it was reported that Raúl Jiménez had extended his contract with Benfica until June 2021 before being loaned out.

March 2022: Fifth Premier League Goal and Red Card

In March 2022, Raúl Jiménez scored his fifth Premier League goal of the season. Also in March 2022, he received the second red card of his Wolves career in a 3–2 defeat at home to Leeds United.

2022: Participated in the FIFA World Cup

In 2022, Jiménez represented Mexico at the FIFA World Cup.

July 2023: Signs with Fulham

On 25 July 2023, Raúl Jiménez signed with Premier League side Fulham on a two-year contract with an option for a further year for a transfer fee of £5.5 million, becoming the second Mexican footballer to represent Fulham after Carlos Salcido.