On May 10, 2025, Raúl Jiménez made headlines once again as he scored for Fulham in their match against Everton, but his effort wasn't enough to secure a victory. The Mexican striker, who had been enduring a goal drought of 63 days, finally found the back of the net in the 17th minute with a powerful header, marking his 11th goal of the Premier League season.
Jiménez's last goal prior to this match had come on March 8, 2025, against Brighton, and he had been eager to break free from the shackles of a seven-match scoreless streak. His determination was evident when he leaped above Everton's Vitali Mykolenko to connect with a pinpoint cross from Emile Smith Rowe, sending the home fans at Craven Cottage into raptures.
However, the joy was short-lived for Fulham as Everton equalized just before halftime. In the 45+3 minute, Mykolenko unleashed a shot from the edge of the area that deflected off the Fulham defense, leaving goalkeeper Bernd Leno with no chance to stop it. The score was tied 1-1 at the break, and the momentum shifted in favor of the visitors.
In the second half, Everton capitalized on their chances, showcasing their aerial prowess. Michael Keane scored in the 70th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Fulham, and within three minutes, Beto Betuncal sealed the game with a third goal, making it 3-1. Fulham's hopes of securing a European spot took a significant hit with this defeat, as they dropped points in a crucial match.
Despite the loss, Jiménez's performance was a bright spot for Fulham. With 11 goals in the current Premier League season, he remains the team's leading scorer, and his overall tally for the season stands at 13 when including goals from other competitions. This year, he also contributed significantly to the Mexican National Team, netting four goals in the Concacaf Nations League, including two in the final against Panama.
As the season draws to a close, questions loom over Jiménez's future with Fulham. The 34-year-old forward's contract is set to expire this summer, and while he has expressed a desire to extend his stay in the Premier League, the emergence of Rodrigo Muniz as a strong competitor for the striker position could complicate matters. Jiménez's career trajectory might see him exploring options in Major League Soccer or even a return to Mexico, although he hopes to continue playing at the highest level.
Fulham's defeat against Everton at Craven Cottage marks a disappointing chapter in their season, especially after such a promising start. The team, under the guidance of manager Stuart Gray, had aspirations of European football but will now need to regroup and focus on finishing the season strong in their remaining matches.
In summary, while Raúl Jiménez's return to scoring form is a positive note for the player and Fulham, the loss against Everton has left them with a challenging road ahead as they aim to salvage their season.
