Mexico star Raul Jimenez wears a protective headband during matches due to a life-threatening skull fracture he suffered in November 2020. The injury occurred during a Premier League game between Wolves and Arsenal, when Jimenez clashed heads with defender David Luiz. He was left motionless on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium and was rushed to hospital for urgent brain surgery.
Life-Saving Surgery and Recovery
Jimenez underwent emergency surgery to relieve bleeding on the brain caused by the fracture. Doctors told him he was lucky to be alive. He spent 10 days in hospital and was left with a prominent scar on the side of his head. Despite the severity of the injury, he returned to professional football in August 2021, but was required by doctors to wear a protective head guard for the rest of his career to shield the scar.
Return to Football and World Cup Form
After recovering, Jimenez continued his career with Wolves before moving to Fulham, where he scored 28 goals in nearly 100 appearances. Now back at Wolves for the 2026-27 Championship season, he is also a key player for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. He has scored twice in four games as co-hosts Mexico prepare to face England in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium.
Jimenez Reflects on the Injury
Reflecting on the incident, Jimenez said: 'Doctors told me it was like a miracle to be there. There was the skull fracture, the bone broke and there was a little bit of bleeding inside the brain. It was pushing my brain to the inside and that is why the surgery had to be quick. It was a really good job by the doctors.' He added: 'Since the first moment they told me the risks. Because they are doctors they have to tell you the truth and you have to take it. The skull fracture did take a little longer than we all expected to heal but it is a miracle to be here.'
Jimenez also described losing consciousness: 'I remember we arrived at the stadium, I left my things in the dressing room, went out with my teammates to see the pitch and then we returned to the dressing room – and then it’s like lights out. I remember nothing else. I can remember when I first woke up in the hospital and I can remember some other things from the hospital but nothing really clear.'
