Raúl Jiménez, Career Stats, Playing Style, and Current Form

Quick Answer

Raúl Jiménez is a 35-year-old Mexican forward currently playing for Fulham in the Premier League. As of June 2026, he has scored 9 goals in 40 matches during the 2025-2026 season, following a 12-goal campaign in 2024-2025.

His playing style combines physical hold-up play with intelligent movement, though recent injury setbacks have affected his consistency. His current form shows a slight decline in performance ratings compared to previous seasons.

Key Facts

• Raúl Jiménez was born on May 5, 1991, in Tepeji del Río de Ocampo, Mexico
• He plays as a forward for Fulham, joining the club in July 2023 from Wolverhampton for €6.4 million
• Career Premier League stats for Fulham: 28 goals and 6 assists in 98 appearances
• 2025-2026 season: 9 goals in 40 matches (0.23 goals per match)
• 2024-2025 season: 12 goals in 76 matches (0.16 goals per match)
• 2023-2024 season: 24 matches (goals not specified in available data)
• Current season rating: 6.30 (down from 6.68 in 2024-2025 and 6.70 in 2023-2024)
• Recovered from a serious skull fracture (now healed, wears protective head guard)
• Recent injury concerns include a hamstring injury sustained against Everton, requiring at least one month recovery
• Injury history includes hip problems, knee injury, and hamstring issues across recent seasons

Background and Context

Raúl Jiménez's career trajectory tells a story of remarkable resilience and adaptation. Before joining Fulham, he established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable Mexican forwards during his time at Wolverhampton.

The 2020 skull fracture he suffered during a match was a career-threatening event, but he returned to professional football after proper healing and now wears a protective head guard. His move to Fulham in 2023 for €6.4 million represented a fresh start after his Wolves tenure.

The Portuguese club Benfica originally brought him to Europe, where he developed the technical skills that made him effective in English football. For Mexico's national team, Jiménez has been a key figure, though his recent injury absences have limited his international appearances.

The significance of Jiménez's career extends beyond personal statistics. He represents a generation of Mexican players who have successfully transitioned from Liga MX to top European leagues.

His playing style—a blend of physical presence, aerial ability, and technical finishing—has made him a unique asset for teams that value a target man who can also link play.

Detailed Explanation

Career Progression and Statistical Analysis

Jiménez's Premier League statistics for Fulham paint a picture of a forward who has been effective but not prolific. With 28 goals in 98 appearances, his goal-per-game ratio hovers around 0.29—respectable but not elite for a starting striker.

The 2024-2025 season saw him play 76 matches, indicating he was a regular fixture in the squad despite only scoring 12 goals. The 2025-2026 season shows a slight uptick in efficiency: 9 goals in 40 matches gives a 0.23 goals-per-game rate.

This improvement in conversion rate suggests that when he plays, he is finding the net more consistently. However, the total match count is lower, which may reflect injury issues or tactical decisions by the manager.

Performance ratings provide valuable context. Jiménez's current season rating of 6.30 marks a decline from 6.68 in 2024-2025 and 6.70 in 2023-2024.

This downward trend could indicate declining athleticism at age 35, adaptation to a changing role, or the lingering effects of recent injuries. The ratings are based on overall contributions including passing, movement, defensive work, and chance creation—not just goals.

Playing Style Assessment

Jiménez is fundamentally a traditional center-forward who excels in certain specific aspects of the game. His physical frame allows him to hold off defenders and bring teammates into play, a skill that becomes more valuable as his pace diminishes with age.

He positions himself well in the box, often finding space between center-backs for headers or quick finishes. His aerial ability remains a strength, though direct data on headed goals is not available in the reference material.

The protective head guard he wears following his skull fracture does not appear to have diminished his willingness to contest aerial duels. One notable characteristic is his movement off the ball.

Jiménez tends to drop deep to receive passes and then combine with midfield runners, a style that suits Fulham's attacking patterns. He is not a pure poacher who stays high and waits for service; rather, he involves himself in build-up play.

Current Form and Injury Context

As of June 2026, Jiménez's form is best described as variable. The 2025-2026 season rating of 6.30 suggests he is below his previous performance levels.

Several factors contribute to this assessment:

First, his age (35) naturally leads to reduced physical output. Sprint speeds, recovery times, and endurance all decline at this stage of a career.

Second, his injury history cannot be ignored. The reference material documents hip problems, knee injuries, and hamstring issues across recent seasons.

The hamstring injury sustained against Everton required at least one month recovery, disrupting his rhythm and match fitness. Third, Fulham's tactical setup may have evolved.

Without specific tactical data, one can infer that a 35-year-old forward may be rotated more frequently or used in specific game situations rather than as an undisputed starter. The 40 matches played in 2025-2026 (as of available data) suggest he is still a regular contributor but perhaps not the first-choice striker in every match.

Comparison to Previous Seasons

Comparing Jiménez's three seasons at Fulham reveals a clear pattern:

Season	Goals	Matches	Goals/Match	Rating
2023-2024	Not specified	24	N/A	6.70
2024-2025	12	76	0.16	6.68
2025-2026	9	40	0.23	6.30

The 2024-2025 season was his most productive in terms of total goals, though the efficiency was lower due to the high number of matches. The 2025-2026 season shows improved efficiency but fewer appearances, suggesting he is being used more selectively.

The rating decline from 6.70 to 6.30 indicates that his overall performance level has dropped, even if his goal-scoring rate has improved slightly.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Myth 1 Jiménez is past his prime and should retire

This oversimplifies his situation. While his performance ratings have declined, he remains a useful Premier League forward at age 35.

His 9 goals in 40 matches during 2025-2026 is a respectable return for a player in his position. The question is not whether he can still contribute, but whether Fulham can maximize his specific skills within their tactical framework.

Myth 2 The skull fracture ended his career potential

Jiménez returned to professional football after his skull fracture healed properly. The reference material explicitly states "his skull fracture has now healed well" and he wears a protective head guard for safety.

While the injury was serious and required significant recovery time, he has demonstrated the ability to perform at Premier League level post-injury. The bigger concern now is age and subsequent soft-tissue injuries, not the original fracture.

Myth 3 His goal-scoring numbers make him ineffective

Goal statistics alone do not capture a forward's full contribution. Jiménez's hold-up play, link-up combinations, and defensive work rate add value that does not appear in goal totals.

A player who creates space for teammates, wins aerial duels, and presses effectively can be valuable even when not scoring frequently. The 2024-2025 season saw him play 76 matches, indicating the coaching staff trusted his overall contribution.

Myth 4 He is injury-prone and unreliable

While Jiménez has suffered several injuries in recent seasons (hamstring, hip problems, knee injury), characterizing him as injury-prone requires context. Many Premier League players in their mid-30s experience similar issues.

The injuries are specific and have clear causes: the hamstring injury from a specific match incident, the hip problems from accumulated wear and tear. He has generally recovered and returned to play, which shows resilience rather than fragility.

Myth 5 A new contract would be a mistake for Fulham

The reference material indicates Fulham is considering offering Jiménez a new deal amid interest from other clubs. This decision depends on the club's strategy.

If Fulham values experience, leadership, and a specific tactical profile, retaining Jiménez makes sense. If they prefer to invest in younger, higher-potential forwards, they might let him leave.

The existence of transfer interest suggests other Premier League clubs see value in his services, which challenges the notion that he has no future at the top level.

What to Watch For

Injury Management and Availability

The next several months will reveal how Jiménez's body responds to the demands of Premier League football at age 35. His hamstring injury history is a particular concern because recurring soft-tissue issues often signal declining tissue resilience.

Fulham's medical staff will need to carefully manage his training load and match minutes. Watch for: Whether he starts consecutive matches or is regularly rotated.

Extended runs in the starting lineup would indicate his fitness is holding up. Frequent substitutions or missed matches would confirm ongoing concerns.

Tactical Role Evolution

As Jiménez ages, his role may shift from primary goalscorer to a more specialized function. He could become a "super-sub" who enters matches against tired defenses, or a target man in specific tactical setups (e.g., when Fulham needs to hold a lead by winning aerial duels and retaining possession).

Watch for: His average minutes per appearance. If those are dropping, it suggests a reduced role.

If he is starting most matches but being substituted early, that pattern also indicates tactical limitations.

Contract Situation

The reference material mentions interest from other clubs and Fulham's desire to secure his services with a new deal. As of June 2026, his current contract status is not specified in available data.

The outcome of contract negotiations will determine whether he remains at Craven Cottage or moves elsewhere. Watch for: Official announcements from Fulham regarding contract extensions.

Transfer rumors during the summer window will also provide clues. If no new deal is signed by the start of the 2026-2027 season, his departure becomes more likely.

International Availability for Mexico

Jiménez's national team appearances have been limited by injuries and club commitments. The reference material indicates he did not feature for Mexico in October 2024 but was expected to be available in November 2024.

As of June 2026, his status with the Mexican national team is unclear. Watch for: Mexico's squad announcements for upcoming international windows.

If Jiménez is consistently selected, it signals his fitness is acceptable. If he is omitted, it may indicate ongoing physical concerns or that younger players have surpassed him in the national team hierarchy.

Competition for Starting Position

Fulham's forward options will influence Jiménez's playing time. If the club signs a younger, more mobile striker in the transfer window, Jiménez may become a second-choice option.

Conversely, if no major additions are made, he will retain a central role. Watch for: Fulham's transfer activity during the summer 2026 window.

Any significant signing in the forward position would suggest the club is planning for life beyond Jiménez.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals has Raúl Jiménez scored for Fulham in the Premier League?

Raúl Jiménez has scored 28 goals and provided 6 assists in 98 Premier League appearances for Fulham across his career. This includes 12 goals in the 2024-2025 season and 9 goals in 40 matches during the 2025-2026 season.

What is Raúl Jiménez's current injury status?

Jiménez suffered a hamstring injury against Everton that required at least one month of recovery. His overall injury history includes hip problems, knee issues, and previous hamstring problems.

His skull fracture from 2020 has healed well, and he now wears a protective head guard during matches.

Is Raúl Jiménez still playing for the Mexican national team?

As of June 2026, Jiménez's national team status is not fully confirmed in available data. He was ruled out of Mexico's October 2024 international action but was expected to return in November 2024.

His recent injury issues have affected his availability, but no official retirement announcement has been made.

How much did Fulham pay for Raúl Jiménez?

Fulham completed the transfer of Raúl Jiménez from Wolverhampton in July 2023 for a fee of €6.4 million. This represented a relatively modest investment for an experienced Premier League striker.

What is Raúl Jiménez's playing style?

Jiménez is a physical center-forward who excels at hold-up play, aerial duels, and linking with midfield runners. He drops deep to receive passes and brings teammates into attacking positions.

While not the fastest forward, he positions himself intelligently in the box and finishes effectively with both feet and his head. His playing style suits teams that value a target man who can also contribute to build-up play.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.