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Raúl Jiménez joins the Mexican elite in Europe: third footballer with 100 goals.
Raúl Jiménez continues to build his legacy in European football, reaching an important milestone by scoring his 100th goal on the continent. In a key match, the Mexican striker played a decisive role in Fulham’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, scoring from the penalty spot, one of his specialties. This goal not only marked his century in Europe but was also his 50th in the Premier League, cementing his place as one of the top Mexican figures in English football, second only to Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, who has 53 goals in the competition.
Raúl’s journey in Europe began in 2014 when he was signed by Atlético Madrid following his standout performances for América. However, his time at the Spanish club didn’t live up to expectations, as he only scored one goal over two seasons. Nonetheless, his next stop, Benfica in Portugal, proved to be the springboard he needed to revive his career. During his three years with the Eagles, Jiménez recorded 31 goals, establishing himself as a reliable striker in the Primeira Liga and catching the attention of several European clubs.
In 2018, Wolverhampton Wanderers of the Premier League decided to take a chance on the Mexican, and that decision turned out to be a brilliant one. Raúl became the key man in Wolves’ attack, scoring 57 goals over five seasons. His presence on the field, combined with his ability to finish under pressure, made him one of the most respected strikers in England. However, in November 2020, his career took an unexpected turn when he suffered a skull fracture after a violent collision with David Luiz during a match against Arsenal. The injury sidelined him for eight months, casting doubt on his future in football.
Despite the severity of the incident, Raúl Jiménez made a strong comeback. Although his form was more inconsistent following the injury, he managed to show that his quality remained intact. In 2023, he left Wolverhampton and joined Fulham, where he has continued adding to his goal tally, reaching the magical 100-goal mark in Europe.
Raúl Jiménez joins a select group of Mexican footballers who have reached 100 goals in Europe. Only two compatriots had achieved this before him: Javier "Chicharito" Hernández and the legendary Hugo Sánchez. Chicharito, known for his goal-scoring instinct, amassed a total of 127 goals during his time with five European clubs, shining primarily with Manchester United, where he netted 59 goals in 157 matches. His ability to appear at crucial moments and score decisive goals earned him a place in the history of English football.
Hugo Sánchez, on the other hand, is the ultimate reference for Mexican football in Europe. With 234 goals to his name, "Hugol" earned a spot as one of the best strikers in the world during his stints with Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, and Rayo Vallecano, along with a brief spell at Linzer ASK in Austria. His impressive goal tally includes five Pichichi trophies, awarded to the top scorer in La Liga, cementing him as one of the great icons of world football.
With his 100-goal milestone, Raúl Jiménez has shown that it is possible to come back from adversity and continue making an impact at the highest level. While he still has some way to go to catch up with the two giants before him, his consistency and ability to overcome obstacles solidify him as one of the best Mexican footballers in history. His legacy in Europe is already a reality, and his name will be etched alongside the greats.