This is what's on Raul Jimenez's head while playing for Mexico at World Cup

This is what's on Raul Jimenez's head while playing for Mexico at World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Raul Jimenez is one of the most gifted strikers to ever play for the Mexican national team.

It also was far from a given that he'd ever get a chance to suit up for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico is a co-host of along with the United States and Canada.

Injury almost ended his career, and maybe more.

Now, the only real evidence of Jimenez's injury past is what he wears on his head during matches.

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That's a custom head guard on the top of Jimenez's temples.

It's a medically approved device that he has worn since 2021.

It resembles a headband, and maybe that's a fair descriptor for it, but it's far from a standard headband.

What was Raul Jimenez's injury?

In Nov. 2020, Jimenez tried to head a ball defending a corner and hit heads with Arsenal central defender David Luiz.

Jimenez became unconscious and was taken to a hospital.

His brain was swelling, and it was life-threatening.

"The skull fracture... the bone broke, and there was a little bit of bleeding inside the brain," Jimenez previously told The Athletic. "It was pushing my brain to the inside, and that is why the surgery had to be quick."

Jimenez does still have a scar that will never go away, but he's back on the pitch bagging goals.

What club does Raul Jimenez play for?

Jimenez, for the second time, is a member of Wolverhampton Wanderers in England. He signed there in June as a free agent. Jimenez also was playing for Wolves when he suffered his scary injury.

In his career, he has also suited up for Club America, Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Fulham.

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