Raúl Jiménez explains emotional World Cup goal celebration dedicated to his late father

Raúl Jiménez found the net for the first time in a World Cup, an achievement marked by a deeply emotional celebration. The goal, which ended his scoring drought in the tournament, was a poignant dedication to his father, who passed away in March.

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It was something I was looking for, more than scoring my first World Cup goal, to be able to dedicate it to my dad who I think would have been the happiest to have been here in the stadium.

His father's death meant he could not be present to witness his son play on the world stage. Jiménez had been eager to score, specifically to dedicate the goal to his father, whom he believes would have been immensely happy to be at the stadium. "It was something I was looking for, more than scoring my first World Cup goal, to be able to dedicate it to my dad who I think would have been the happiest to have been here in the stadium," Jiménez stated.

Jiménez added that he felt his father's support from above, dedicating the goal to him and the entire family. The Wolverhampton player recalled telling teammate Roberto Alvarado before the match to send a good cross his way, anticipating the opportunity to score. "I'm very happy to have been able to score this goal. In fact, before I told Piojo (Alvarado) 'send me one to the far post and I'm going to score it,' and look, it happened, I was able to score it. Very happy," he concluded.

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But I know that from up there he was supporting me and this goal is for him and all my family.

This goal marks a significant personal milestone for Jiménez, who had limited minutes in previous World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022 without managing to score.

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I'm very happy to have been able to score this goal. In fact, before I told Piojo (Alvarado) 'send me one to the far post and I'm going to score it,' and look, it happened, I was able to score it. Very happy.