Raúl Jiménez
Mexico's composed and clinical striker became a cult hero in England for his Wolves goals and a vital, record-setting figure for El Tri.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Mexican footballer·Birthday: May 5·Millennials
Biography
Raúl Jiménez's story is one of resilience and cool-headed finishing. Emerging from Club América's famed academy in Mexico City, he announced himself with decisive goals in big matches, including a title-winning brace in the 2013 Clausura final. A move to Europe saw him adapt first at Atlético Madrid and then find his true home at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League. At Wolves, under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, he transformed into a complete forward, combining hold-up play, clever movement, and a predator's instinct. His partnership with the creative players around him fueled the club's rise, and his iconic goal celebration—a masked homage to his lucha libre passion—became a symbol of Molineux's success. A serious head injury in 2020 tested his resolve, but his comeback was a testament to his character. For the Mexican national team, his importance is etched in the record books as their all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers, a reliable pillar in attack for over a decade.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Raúl was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Raúl Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Raúl's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became Wolverhampton Wanderers' record signing and their top Premier League scorer in the modern era after his permanent transfer.
- Mexico's all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
- Won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Mexican national team in 2019 and 2023.
- Scored the winning goal for Club América in the 2013 Clausura final, securing the league title.
Did You Know?
His goal celebration, where he puts on a lucha libre mask, is a tribute to his love for Mexican wrestling.
Jiménez is an accomplished pianist and has played publicly.
He wore the number 9 jersey for Wolves, which was previously retired in honor of striker Steve Bull, requiring special permission from the club legend.
“I stay calm because the goal looks bigger when you do.”
