Raúl Jiménez is one of the most accomplished and respected footballers Mexico has produced in the modern era. Known for his strength, composure, aerial ability, and clinical finishing, the towering striker has spent more than a decade competing at the highest levels of the game and proving himself against some of the world’s best defenders.
Whether he’s scoring crucial goals, holding up play for his teammates, or delivering in the biggest moments, Jiménez has built a reputation as a complete forward. Even in 2026, at 35 years old, he continues to showcase the experience, leadership, and quality that have made him a fan favorite throughout his career.
From his early days in Mexico to his success in Europe and his long-standing role with the Mexican national team, Jiménez’s journey is one of perseverance, talent, and determination. Let’s take a closer look at his life, career, family, achievements, net worth, and the story behind one of Mexico’s greatest football stars.
Who Is Raúl Jiménez?
Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez, born on 5th May 1991 in Tepeji del Río in Hidalgo, Mexico, is a small town. Imagine a Mexican town and children playing football in the streets until nighttime, in the sun, with dust. It’s where Raúl’s story started.
He was brought up in a family that had a love affair with sports. His father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, was a sportsman and encouraged his children to be passionate about sport. Emotionally, his mom, Martha Rodríguez, was a pillar. Raúl also had siblings — one of them was Club América’s youth goalkeeper, Raúl André, who followed in his footsteps. Football was a living faith in the Jiménez family.
Age and Height
As of 2026, Raúl Jiménez is 35 years old. He stands at a commanding 187 cm (about 6 feet 2 inches) tall, the kind of height that makes him a nightmare for defenders in aerial duels. He plays as a forward (striker), wearing the iconic No. 9 shirt, and his preferred foot is his right.
Early Career: From Club América to Europe
Raúl wasn’t born overnight. It took years of grinding, learning, and growing. He began playing in Club América’s youth academy, which is one of Mexico’s top football clubs. His first professional appearance was in October 2011, and he was an instant threat to success. In 2013, he was the top two scorer of América in the Clausura tournament, for the first time in his career. A glint had already been seen. Next, the great transfer to Europe.
In August of 2014, Raúl was signed to the toughest club in the world, the Spanish club Atlético Madrid. This was a giant leap forward. He transferred to Benfica in Portugal at the end of the first season, and his magic was truly triggered there. He had a three-year blossoming spell with the Portuguese giants, netting 31 goals in 120 appearances and capturing two successive league titles. He was gaining in popularity and had become a club that could no longer be overlooked.
The Wolves Era: Becoming a Premier League Star
Raúl was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers in June 2018. And honestly? This was a match that seemed to be a match made in heaven. The team’s leading scorer (17 goals in all competitions) that first season. The next year, Wolves made it official, and Jiménez was one of the most feared attackers in the Premier League.
His 2019-20 season could be considered his best so far, as he managed 17 goals in his debut Premier League season, topping the tally of goals scored by a Mexican player in the top tier of English football. He even beat the big Javier “Chicharito” Hernández. This is no mean feat.
Then came the nightmarish. Raúl suffered a fractured skull in the hideous head clash with defender David Luiz against Arsenal in November 2020. He died on the ground and was rushed to the hospital, where he received emergency surgery. The football world was in suspense. Would he ever play again?
He came back. Raúl Jiménez came back nine months later onto a football field, and the football world erupted in cheers.
Move to Fulham and Life in 2026
In the summer of 2023, Raúl transferred to Fulham F.C., another Premier League club, for €6.4 million. And he didn’t slow down one bit. In the 2024–25 season alone, he scored 12 goals in 38 appearances, helping Fulham achieve a club-record 54 points in the Premier League. Then, in September 2024, he hit a personal milestone: his 100th goal for a European club, becoming only the third Mexican player ever to reach that mark. Legends company.
In 2025, Fulham activated the option to extend his contract through the 2025–26 season, despite offers from MLS clubs and Saudi Arabian football. Raúl chose to stay in the Premier League because his eyes were set on one thing: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted in North America. He wants to represent Mexico in peak form, on home turf. And through 30 appearances in 2025–26, he’s already scored 9 goals. The mission is alive.
International Career: Representing Mexico
Raúl Jiménez isn’t just a club star; he’s a Mexican national hero. He was part of the Mexican U23 team that won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Let that sink in Olympic gold at just 21 years old.
He has represented Mexico in multiple FIFA World Cups and CONCACAF Gold Cups, and in 2019, he won the CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Ball, the award for the tournament’s best player. He was also named in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals Best XI in 2025. For Mexico, Raúl Jiménez is the kind of player who makes an entire nation stand up and cheer.
Raúl Jiménez’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Raúl Jiménez’s net worth is estimated at around $16 million to $22 million, built almost entirely from his football career. At Fulham, he earns approximately £88,000 per week which is over £4.5 million per year. He has played for major clubs across Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and England, and every contract added to that growing fortune.
Wife and Personal Life
Off the pitch, Raúl’s life is just as beautiful. Since July 2017, he has been in a loving relationship with Daniela Basso, a stunning Mexican actress and television personality who studied at Televisa’s prestigious Centro de Educación Artística. She’s appeared in soap operas, theater productions, and musicals.
Together, they have a daughter named Arya, born on July 21, 2020, just months before Raúl’s devastating head injury. Through his recovery, Daniela stood firmly by his side, and many credit her unwavering support as part of what drove him back to the top. They are one of football’s most admired couples, fiercely private but clearly devoted to each other.
Nationality
Raúl Jiménez is proudly Mexican-born and raised in Hidalgo, Mexico, and represents the Mexican national team on the world’s biggest stages. He carries the green jersey with immense pride.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez |
| Date of Birth | May 5, 1991 |
| Age (2026) | 35 years old |
| Height | 187 cm (6’2″) |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Position | Forward (Striker) |
| Current Club | Fulham F.C. (Premier League) |
| Net Worth | ~$16–22 million |
| Partner | Daniela Basso |
| Daughter | Arya (born July 21, 2020) |
FAQs
Q1: How old is Raúl Jiménez?
He was born on May 5, 1991, making him 35 years old in 2026.
Q2: What club does Raúl Jiménez play for?
He currently plays as a forward for Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League.
Q3: What is Raúl Jiménez’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $16–$22 million as of 2026.
Q4: Who is Raúl Jiménez’s partner?
He’s been with Mexican actress Daniela Basso since 2017. They have a daughter named Arya.
Q5: What major injury did Raúl suffer?
In 2020, he fractured his skull during a Premier League match but made a full comeback.
NEXT POST: Gonzalez Armando: Age, Net Worth, Bio/Wiki, Career, Height and Girlfriend (2026)