Why Raul Jimenez wears a headband: Mexico striker’s story before England clash

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez is once again the focal point of his nation’s attack as the co-hosts take on England at the Azteca Stadium in the World Cup last 16, and eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed the distinctive protective headband he wears every time he steps onto the pitch.

The 34-year-old, who has agreed a return to Wolves from Fulham ahead of a spell in the Championship next season, has been a talisman for his country throughout the tournament, netting twice in Mexico’s four group and knockout matches so far. In total he has scored 47 goals in 129 caps for his country.

But the headwear he wears is not a fashion statement or a superstition. It stems from a horrific injury he suffered while playing for Wolves in the Premier League back in November 2020.

A sickening collision at the Emirates

Jimenez suffered a fractured skull following a clash of heads with Arsenal defender David Luiz during a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium. He was left motionless on the pitch as medics rushed to treat him before he was taken to hospital for emergency, life-saving surgery.

Doctors told the striker afterwards that he was fortunate to have survived the incident. He spent 10 days in hospital recovering from the operation, which left him with a substantial scar on the side of his head.

Remarkably, Jimenez returned to competitive football just nine months later, in August 2021. Since then he has been required by doctors to wear a protective head guard for the remainder of his playing career, in order to shield the scar and the area affected by the fracture.

Jimenez recalls the “miracle” recovery

Speaking previously about the injury, Jimenez said: “[Doctors] told me it was like a miracle to be there. [There was] the skull fracture, the bone broke and there was a little bit of bleeding inside the brain. It was pushing my brain to the inside and that is why the surgery had to be quick. It was a really good job by the doctors.”

He continued: “Since the first moment [the doctors] told me the risks. Because they are doctors they have to tell you the truth and you have to take it. The skull fracture did take a little longer than we all expected to heal but it is a miracle to be here.”

Jimenez also gave a chilling account of the moments before he lost consciousness on the pitch, saying: “I remember we arrived at the stadium, I left my things in the dressing room, went out with my teammates to see the pitch and then we returned to the dressing room – and then it’s like lights out. I remember nothing else. I can remember when I first woke up in the hospital and I can remember some other things from the hospital but nothing really clear.”

Back among the goals

After his return to fitness at Wolves, Jimenez went on to join Fulham, where he scored 28 goals in just shy of 100 appearances for the London club. He is now set to head back to Molineux ahead of next season, with Wolves having agreed a deal for his return following their relegation to the Championship.

For now, though, his focus is firmly on helping Mexico reach the World Cup quarter-finals at the expense of England, with the striker’s protective headband a constant reminder of just how far he has come since that frightening night at the Emirates.