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Raul Jimenez might be North America's best striker. The Mexican bagsman has been one of the sport's steadier goal-scorers since he made his senior debut with Club America in 2011.
Jimenez, 35, is a household name for many, namely those of an El Tri disposition. His gifts are undeniable — Jimenez's touch, link-up play and ball-striking have made him a favorite to fans and managers alike over the course of his career.
And yet, those watching him attempt to make magic on the world's stage have largely focused their queries on one specific aspect of him: his eye-catching headband.
So, just what is on Jimenez's head? And why does he sport such distinctive head gear? Here's what you need to know.
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What is on Raul Jimenez's head?
Jimenez sports a custom, medically approved protective head guard that resides on top of his temples. He has worn the gear for five years, donning the accessory after suffering one of the most gruesome injuries in Premier League history during the 2020-21 season.
Why does Raul Jimenez wear a headband?
Jimenez, then a 29-year-old starring in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, suffered a skull fracture during a Nov. 29, 2020 match with Arsenal. The forward attempted to defend a corner when he clashed heads with Gunners defender David Luiz.
Jimenez went unconscious following the collision. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in London, where he was treated. Surgeons worked quickly to relieve the swelling on Jimenez's brain. Their efforts proved vital — Jimenez's wounds were near-fatal.
"The skull fracture... the bone broke, and there was a little bit of bleeding inside the brain," Jimenez told The Athletic. "It was pushing my brain to the inside, and that is why the surgery had to be quick."
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What happened to Raul Jimenez?
Jimenez suffered a fractured skull during a Nov. 2020 match against Arsenal. The Mexican forward, then a member of Wolves, accidentally struck Arsenal defender Luiz with his head while trying to defend a corner.
The collision left Jimenez unconscious. Medical personnel responded quickly, transporting him to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery. He bears a scar from the harrowing incident, one that will follow him the rest of his life. Despite the frightful nature of Jimenez's injury, he was back at Wolves' training ground two weeks later. A few weeks after that, he was on the pitch, trying his luck at non-contact sessions that featured a decree that Jimenez wasn't allowed inside the penalty area.
Jimenez was back in Wolves colors in Aug. 2021. He was on the scoresheet six games into his return, slaloming beyond three challenges before coolly slotting against Southampton.
Jimenez has scored 40 goals since then. He has experienced an upturn in form since arriving at Fulham ahead 2023-24 season, scoring 24 goals across the past two seasons with the Cottagers. He has added another 20 (and counting) with Mexico, helping lead El Tri to a triumph in the 2025 Gold Cup. Jimenez scored thrice in the competition, including once in the final. For his efforts, he was awarded a spot on the team of the tournament.
Raul Jimenez recovery from fractured skull
Jimenez spent eight months on the sidelines as he recovered from his ailment. He spent much of that time in conversation with his beloved passion, completing keepy-uppies within a few weeks of his operation.
He was back in training not too long after. However, things looked quite different for the Mexico international, who was outlawed from taking contact or creeping into his holy land, the penalty area.
Jimenez's training regimens consisted of foam and plastic balls before making the switch to regular soccer balls six months after the collision. When he took to the training pitch for his first proper session, he did so wearing a bulky black headband. The look has slimmed down markedly over the years, now barely covering his temples.
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It took Jimenez some time to get back firing. He failed to record a Premier League goal in the final year of his first stint with Wolves, looking far from the gifted goal-grabber that took England's top-flight by storm. A move to Fulham invigorated him, however, seeing him emerge as the team's most dangerous threat.
Jimenez scored 31 goals across 115 appearances with the Cottagers. Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Jimenez re-signed with Wolves following the expiry of his contract with Fulham.
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