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. He currently plays as a striker for Fulham in the Premier League and is also a member of the Mexico national team. Jiménez is known for his prolific goal-scoring ability and has had a successful career in European football.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 2011: First Division Debut

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

2012: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

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

2013: Clausura Tournament Win

In 2013, Raúl Jiménez won the Clausura tournament with América, marking his first championship with the club.

2013: International Debut and Gold Cup

Since 2013, Raúl Jiménez has been a full international player for Mexico and represented his country at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

August 2014: Joins Atlético Madrid

In August 2014, Raúl Jiménez joined Spanish side Atlético Madrid after playing for Club América.

August 2014: Final Game for América

In August 2014, Raúl Jiménez played his final game for América against Tigres UANL, providing an assist in the 2-0 win.

August 2014: La Liga Debut

On August 25, 2014, Jiménez made his La Liga debut in a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano. Although he scored his first goal for Atlético on September 27, it was his only goal that season.

2014: FIFA World Cup

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

August 2015: Joins Benfica

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

August 2015: Failed West Ham Transfer

On August 9, 2015, Raúl Jiménez failed to show up for his medical with West Ham United after reports claimed he missed his flight to London. His agent reportedly suggested he spurn the move in favor of Benfica.

2015: Copa América

In 2015, Raúl Jiménez represented his country at the Copa América.

March 2016: Champions League Quarter-Finals

On March 9, 2016, Jiménez helped Benfica reach the Champions League quarter-finals in a 2–1 away victory against Zenit Saint Petersburg. On 9 April, he scored the winning goal against Académica, securing Benfica's lead in the Primeira Liga.

July 2016: Benfica Purchases Remaining Economic Rights

On July 21, 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 and the most expensive Mexican player.

2017: FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2017, Raúl Jiménez represented his country at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

June 2018: Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers

In June 2018, Raúl Jiménez joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

2018: FIFA World Cup

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

March 2019: Premier League and FA Cup Success

In March 2019, Raúl Jiménez tied Steven Fletcher as the Wolves player with the most Premier League goals scored in a single season with twelve. He also scored the first goal in a 2–1 victory over Manchester United to advance to the semi-final of the FA Cup.

June 2019: CONCACAF Gold Cup

In June 2019, Raúl Jiménez was included in the Mexico squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup where he scored twice in the debut match against Cuba, contributing to a 7–0 victory. He continued to score in subsequent matches, leading Mexico to win their eighth Gold Cup. He was awarded the Golden Ball Award for his performance, playing in all six matches and scoring five goals.

July 2019: Excused from Pre-Season Tour

In July 2019, Raúl Jiménez was excused from attending the team's pre-season tour in China and possibly the Europa League debut to rest after playing with the Mexico national team.

2019: CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2019, Raúl Jiménez represented his country at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

March 2022: First Premier League goal since March 2022

In November 2023, Jiménez scored his first Premier League goal since March 2022 during a 3–1 loss against Aston Villa.

2022: FIFA World Cup

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

July 2023: Signed by Fulham

On 25 July 2023, Raúl Jiménez signed a two-year contract with Premier League side Fulham, with an option for a further year, for a reported transfer fee of £5.5 million. This made him the second Mexican footballer to represent Fulham.

2024: First goal of the 2024–25 season

During the 2024-25 season, Raúl Jiménez scored his first goal in a 2–0 win against Birmingham City in the EFL Cup. In September 2024, he scored in three consecutive Premier League matches, reaching his 50th Premier League goal and 100th goal for a European club.