Career Timeline of Raúl Jiménez: Major Achievements and Milestones

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

Raúl Jiménez is a Mexican professional footballer currently playing as a striker for Fulham in the Premier League and for the Mexico national team. His career highlights include playing for clubs like Benfica and Wolverhampton Wanderers, establishing himself as a key player and goal scorer. Known for his aerial ability, hold-up play, and finishing, Jiménez has been an important figure for both club and country. He has represented Mexico in various international tournaments, including the World Cup and the Gold Cup.

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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

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

2012: Apertura Tournament

After the Summer Olympics and the sale of Vicente Matías Vuoso, in 2012, Jiménez secured a spot in América's starting eleven, playing as a second-striker. He scored four goals in sixteen appearances during the Apertura tournament, receiving his first red card and helping América reach the semi-finals.

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 appeared in the Clausura tournament, scoring one goal in twelve appearances, with América being eliminated in the semi-finals.

2012: Participated in the Summer Olympics

In 2012, Raúl Jiménez participated in the Summer Olympics in London, making his debut against South Korea on 26 July. He played in multiple matches, helping Mexico win the gold medal by defeating Brazil 2–1 in the final.

2012: Participated in Toulon Tournament

In 2012, Raúl Jiménez was selected by coach Luis Fernando Tena to participate in the Toulon Tournament with the under-23 squad, where he scored Mexico's third goal in a 4–2 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals on 30 May. Mexico won the final, defeating Turkey 3–0.

January 2013: Debut for senior national team

On 30 January 2013, Raúl Jiménez made his debut for the senior national team in a 1–1 draw against Denmark, coming on as a second-half substitute.

May 2013: Named in squad for FIFA Confederations Cup

On 20 May 2013, Raúl Jiménez was named in the 23-man squad participating in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup held in Brazil, and featured in all three group games.

June 2013: Included in CONCACAF Gold Cup squad

On 26 June 2013, Raúl Jiménez was included in Mexico's 23-man squad for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, replacing David Cabrera due to injury. He started and played in every group stage match, scoring against Canada on 11 July.

August 2013: Apertura Tournament Goal

On August 2013, Jiménez scored his first goal of the Apertura tournament in a match against Atlas.

October 2013: Scored CONCACAF Goal of the Year

In October 2013, during a World Cup qualifier match against Panama, Raúl Jiménez scored a bicycle kick goal that led to Mexico's 2–1 victory. The goal won the 2013 edition of CONCACAF Goal of the Year.

2013: Clausura Tournament Victory

In 2013, Jiménez played as a starter in the Clausura tournament, scoring multiple braces and finishing with eight goals in the regular phase. He contributed to América's playoff run, scoring crucial goals and eventually winning the league championship after a penalty shoot-out in the final against Cruz Azul.

2013: Won First Championship with América

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

2013: International Debut

Since 2013, Jiménez has been a full international player representing Mexico in various tournaments.

June 2014: Confirmed in FIFA World Cup team

On 5 June 2014, Raúl Jiménez was confirmed in coach Miguel Herrera's final 23-man team participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. On 17 June, Jiménez made his World Cup debut against host nation Brazil.

August 2014: Joined Atlético Madrid

In August 2014, Jiménez joined Spanish side Atlético Madrid.

August 2014: Final Game for América

In August 2014, Raúl Jiménez played his final game for América against Tigres UANL.

August 2014: Agreement with Atlético Madrid

On 13 August 2014, Atlético Madrid reached an agreement with Club América for Jiménez, and he signed a six-year deal the following day. Jiménez made his debut on 16 August 2014 in a pre-season tournament final.

August 2014: La Liga Debut

On 25 August 2014, Jiménez made his La Liga debut in a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.

2014: Clausura Tournament Performance

In 2014, Jiménez made 17 appearances and scored 8 goals in the Clausura tournament, including a hat-trick in the quarter-final match against Santos Laguna.

2014: FIFA World Cup

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

August 2015: Joined Benfica

On 13 August 2015, Jiménez joined Portuguese champions Benfica, signing a five-year deal.

August 2015: Failed Transfer to West Ham United

On 9 August 2015, Jiménez failed to complete a loan deal to West Ham United due to missing his flight to London. His agent suggested he spurn the move in favour of a move to Benfica.

2015: Scored in Copa América tournament

During the 2015 Copa América tournament, Raúl Jiménez scored a headed goal against Chile and a penalty against Ecuador. Despite his efforts, Mexico was eliminated in last place in their group.

2015: Copa América

In 2015, Jiménez represented Mexico at the Copa América.

2015: Taça de Portugal final

In that season, Raúl Jiménez played in the Taça de Portugal final, which Benfica won over Vitória de Guimarães (2–1).

March 2016: Champions League Quarter-Finals

In March 2016, Jiménez helped Benfica reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. On 9 March 2016, in a 2–1 away victory against Zenit Saint Petersburg, Jimenéz struck a long-range shot which was saved by Yuri Lodygin onto the bar, with the ball rebounding to Nicolás Gaitán who tied the match 1–1.

July 2016: Benfica Purchased Remaining Economic Rights

On 21 July 2016, Benfica purchased the remaining 50% of Jiménez's economic rights for €12 million, making him the most expensive player in Portuguese football history and the most expensive Mexican player.

2016: Copa América

In 2016, Jiménez represented Mexico at the Copa América.

2017: FIFA Confederations Cup

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

June 2018: Joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan

In June 2018, Jiménez joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

June 2018: Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 12 June 2018, Jiménez was loaned out to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a season. On 29 June 2018, he extended his contract with Benfica until June 2021 before being loaned out.

2018: FIFA World Cup

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

June 2019: Participated in CONCACAF Gold Cup

In June 2019, Raúl Jiménez was included in the Mexico squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored twice in the debut match against Cuba. He scored his third goal in the 3–2 victory over Martinique as Mexico topped Group A and advanced to the knockout round.

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 and potentially the Europa League debut to rest after his summer activities with the Mexico national team.

November 2019: Scored brace and contributed assist

On 15 November 2019, Raúl Jiménez scored a brace and contributed an assist in El Tri's 3–0 victory over Panama.

2019: CONCACAF Gold Cup

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

June 2021: Contract extended with Benfica

On 29 June 2018, Jiménez extended his contract with Benfica until June 2021 before being loaned out.

March 2022: First Premier League goal since March 2022

In November of 2023, Raúl Jiménez scored his first Premier League goal since March 2022, in a 3–1 loss at Aston Villa.

2022: FIFA World Cup

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

2022: Named in FIFA World Cup squad

Raúl Jiménez was named in Mexico's 26-man final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and he appeared as a substitute in all three of the team's Group C matches.

July 2023: Signed by Fulham

On 25 July 2023, Raúl Jiménez signed with Fulham on a two-year contract with an option for a further year, for a transfer fee of £5.5 million. He became the second Mexican footballer to represent Fulham.

September 2023: Made 100th appearance for Mexico

On 9 September 2023, Raúl Jiménez made his 100th appearance for Mexico and scored his 30th international goal in a 2–2 draw with Australia.

2023: Goal Scoring Achievements

In 2023, Raúl Jiménez experienced a series of notable goal-scoring events. He scored his first Premier League goal since March 2022 in a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. Furthermore, he scored in consecutive 5-0 victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United. He also scored in a 2-1 victory against Arsenal on December 31.

2024: Won CONCACAF Nations League

In 2024, Raúl Jiménez and Mexico won the final of the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League.

2024: First goal of the 2024-25 season

In 2024, Raúl Jiménez kicked off the 2024-25 season by scoring his first goal in a 2-0 victory against Birmingham City during the second round of the EFL Cup.

March 2025: Won CONCACAF Nations League Final

On 23 March 2025, Mexico won the final of the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League, defeating Panama 2–1, with Raúl Jiménez scoring both of Mexico's goals. Jiménez was also the top scorer in League A of the tournament.

May 2025: Scored in Fulham's win over Brentford

On 18 May 2025, Raúl Jiménez scored in Fulham's 3–2 away win over Brentford, contributing to Fulham accumulating 54 points, a club record for a single Premier League season.