Raul Jimenez remembers Diogo Jota in his goal in the Gold Cup final
The Mexican striker tied the score against the US and paid tribute to his deceased former teammate
Raul Jimenez not only scored a key goal for Mexico in the 2025 Gold Cup final. He also moved the world with a meaningful dedication. The Fulham striker leveled the score against the United States with a superb finish, but it was his tribute to Diogo Jota that defined the night at Houston's NRG Stadium, packed with El Tri fans.
The match started off on an uphill climb for the Mexican national team. In just the fourth minute, Chris Richards opened the scoring for the Americans with a precise header that briefly silenced the stands. However, Mexico remained calm, maintained their high pressure, and gradually took control of possession.
The equalizer came just after the half-hour mark. Marcel Ruiz slipped a precise pass into the box, where Jiménez appeared. The Mexican striker didn't hesitate: he turned around and, with a half-turn with his left foot, sent it into the top corner. A goal that was somewhat reminiscent of the one scored by "Chicharito" Hernández against France in the 2010 World Cup. The NRG Stadium erupted.
A tribute from the heart
The emotion grew even more after the goal. Raúl Jiménez ran to the corner of the pitch, sat on the grass, and pretended to be playing video games. It was an exact replica of the gesture Diogo Jota used to celebrate his goals. Hours earlier, the Mexican had also come out to warm up wearing an El Tri shirt that bore the number 20 and the Portuguese player's name.
Jota tragically died last Thursday in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
He and Jimenez shared a dressing room at Wolverhampton until 2021, when the Portuguese player was transferred to Liverpool. Their friendship transcended the field, and that was evident this Sunday.
The tribute video went viral on social media in minutes.
Close to the historic podium
With this goal, Raul Jimenez is closer to Jared Borgetti on the Mexican National Team's all-time scoring charts. He's currently just a few goals away from surpassing him and continues to have his sights set on catching Chicharito Hernandez, El Tri's top scorer.