Raul Jimenez’s Head Guard Shows Off 2026 World Cup Return

What Lies Beneath the Head Guard?

Raul Jimenez now sports a custom head protector on his temples, a device cleared for medical use that he adopted in 2021. The piece looks like a typical headband but is engineered to absorb impacts and protect a previously fragile skull. It stands as the only visible reminder of a career‑altering crash that once threatened his life.

The 2020 Skull Fracture That Almost Ended His Career

In November 2020, Jimenez collided with Arsenal centre‑back David Luiz while challenging a corner kick. He lost consciousness, required emergency transport to a hospital, and was diagnosed with a fractured skull and intracerebral bleeding. Surgeons acted swiftly to relieve pressure on his brain, a procedure he later described as essential to save his life.

The injury left a permanent scar, yet Jimenez has returned to the pitch and resumed scoring goals. The incident forced a lengthy rehab, but he now wears the protective headgear as a precaution. His comeback underscores the resilience needed to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Current Club and Global Career Journey

Jimenez is now a Wolves player, having joined the English side as a free agent in June and wearing the number 20 shirt. Before Wolves, he turned out for Club América, Atlético Madrid, Benfica and Fulham, accumulating a résumé that spans four continents. His move to England marked a fresh chapter after the devastating head injury.

Road to the 2026 World Cup

Mexico co‑hosts the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Canada, and Jimenez’s inclusion would be a story of redemption. He was not guaranteed a spot after the 2020 mishap, but his recent form has caught the eye of national selectors. If named, the striker would become a key figure for a squad looking to make a deep run in the tournament.