In the final match against Panama, Jiménez once again proved to be a decisive player, netting another brace that helped Mexico secure the championship title. With this impressive performance, he has set his sights on the next two top scorers in Mexican history, Jared Borgetti and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, who hold records of 46 and 52 goals, respectively.
The journey to this point was not just remarkable for Jiménez personally but also significant for the Mexican National Team, which had never won the CONCACAF Nations League since its inception. Historically, Mexico has found itself overshadowed by the United States in this competition, with the U.S. taking home the trophy in the previous three editions. However, the team's latest triumph has invigorated the fanbase, especially after eliminating formidable opponents like Canada.
Jiménez’s achievements in the tournament did not go unnoticed. He was adorned with the title of best player in the Final Four, becoming the top scorer with four goals. This recognition adds to the respect and admiration he has garnered over his career, particularly as he navigates the pressures of expectations surrounding scoring for the national team. “It is a great honor to be recognized as the best player, but the team’s success is what matters most to me,” Jiménez stated.
Following the victories, Luis Ángel Malagón also received accolades as the best goalkeeper of the tournament, showcasing the immense talent within the Mexican squad. Together, they formed a robust lineup that confidently overcame the odds now favoring them in international competitions.
Beyond individual achievements, the match against Panama marks a chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two nations. Historically, Mexico has been dominant in this matchup, boasting 12 years without a loss to Panama since their last defeat in the Gold Cup semifinal in 2013, where they lost by a score of 2-1. Following that, the two teams have faced each other 15 times, with Mexico claiming 10 victories and drawing twice.
In their previous encounter during a final round two years ago, Mexico narrowly edged out Panama for a prestigious title, further enhancing the competitive spirit between the teams. Jiménez's presence on the field has been crucial in maintaining Mexico's winning streak against Panama, having scored in recent games against them.
The quest for national glory mirrors Jiménez's personal ambitions as he seeks to surpass some of Mexico's greats. As he moves up in the scoring ranks, fans recall his memorable goals, including a stunning overhead kick against Panama, which remains etched in the memory of supporters as one of the finest moments in Mexican football history.
Raúl Jiménez’s scoring achievements continue to be a focal point of discussion among analysts and fans alike. Currently, with 39 recorded goals according to FIFA criteria—which excludes unofficial goals against non-affiliated teams—he stands just one goal ahead of Cuauhtémoc Blanco. This discrepancy, sparked by Jiménez's goal against Martinique in 2019, remains a topic of debate among purists who stick strictly to FIFA’s statistics.
The top scorers list for the Mexican National Team now includes:
- Javier Hernández - 52 goals
- Jared Borgetti - 46 goals
- Raúl Jiménez - 39 goals (38 according to FIFA)
- Cuauhtémoc Blanco - 38 goals
- Luis Hernández - 35 goals
This competitive environment fosters a deep appreciation for the national team, as each player’s contributions shape the journey toward future tournaments. Fans now eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches to see if Jiménez can surpass the legendary names associated with the Mexican jersey.
As he continues to stake his claim in the annals of Mexican football history, Raúl Jiménez, the Fulham striker, remains a beacon of hope and talent for the nation, inspiring the next generation of footballers.
