What Happened to Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez?
Raúl Jiménez is a Mexican professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring and resilience after overcoming a severe skull fracture in 2020. After successful stints with Club América, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, he joined Fulham in 2023. As of June 9, 2026, Jiménez has returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers as a free agent, signing a two-year deal.
Quick Answer
Raúl Jiménez, the Mexican striker, recently concluded his three-year spell with Fulham as his contract expired on June 30, 2026. On June 9, 2026, it was confirmed that he would be returning to Wolverhampton Wanderers as a free agent, signing a two-year contract with an option for a further year. He is currently preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Mexico national team.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Professional Debut with Club América
Raúl Jiménez made his professional debut in the first division with Club América in Mexico.
Olympic Gold Medal with Mexico U23
Jiménez was part of the Mexico U23 squad that won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in London.
Joins Atlético Madrid
After a successful period with Club América, Jiménez moved to Europe, signing with Spanish side Atlético Madrid.
Transfers to Benfica
Jiménez joined Portuguese champions Benfica, where he would go on to win two consecutive league titles and other major honors.
Loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Jiménez moved to newly promoted Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on a season-long loan, quickly becoming a key player.
Permanent Move to Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers exercised their option to sign Jiménez permanently from Benfica for a club-record fee of €38 million.
Suffers Severe Head Injury
Jiménez sustained a fractured skull after a clash of heads with David Luiz during a Premier League match against Arsenal, requiring emergency surgery.
Returns to Play After Injury
After nine months of recovery, Jiménez made his return to competitive football for Wolves in pre-season, wearing protective headgear.
Joins Fulham
Premier League side Fulham announced the signing of Raúl Jiménez from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.
Wins CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League with Mexico
Jiménez was part of the Mexico national team that won both the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025.
Departs Fulham as Free Agent
Fulham announced that Raúl Jiménez would leave the club upon the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2026, after three seasons.
Returns to Wolverhampton Wanderers
Raúl Jiménez was confirmed to be returning to Wolverhampton Wanderers as a free agent, signing a two-year contract with an option for a further year.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez embarked on his professional football journey with Club América in Mexico, making his first-division debut in October 2011. His early career saw him win the Clausura tournament in 2013 with América before moving to Europe, first with Atlético Madrid in 2014 and then to Benfica in 2015, where he secured two consecutive league titles.
His career truly flourished upon joining Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially on loan in 2018 and then permanently in 2019. He became an instrumental and prolific striker for Wolves, consistently being their top scorer. However, his career faced a life-threatening turning point on November 29, 2020, when he suffered a fractured skull after a clash of heads with Arsenal's David Luiz. This severe injury required emergency surgery and sidelined him for nine months, with doctors describing his recovery as a 'miracle.'
Despite the gravity of the injury, Jiménez made a remarkable return to competitive football in August 2021, wearing protective headgear, and continued to play for Wolves until 2023. In July 2023, he transferred to Premier League side Fulham for a reported fee of £5.5 million, seeking a new challenge and consistent playing time. During his three seasons with Fulham, Jiménez made 115 appearances across all competitions, scoring 31 goals. His 2024-25 season was particularly productive, with 12 goals and three assists in the Premier League. In the 2025-26 season, he contributed nine goals and three assists in 36 Premier League appearances.
As his contract with Fulham was set to expire on June 30, 2026, the club announced on June 8, 2026, that Jiménez would be departing as a free agent. However, his future was quickly resolved. On June 9, 2026, it was confirmed that Jiménez would make a surprising return to his former club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had recently been relegated to the EFL Championship. He signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year, aiming to help Wolves secure promotion back to the Premier League. Jiménez also remains a key player for the Mexico national team, having won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and 2025, and the CONCACAF Nations League in 2025. He is currently with the national squad, preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez made different choices?