A dream debut
Julián Quiñones couldn’t ask for a more perfect start to the World Cup. Nine minutes into the opening match, the naturalized Mexican forward broke the silence at the Azteca Stadium. His goal, combined with that of Raúl Jiménez, sealed Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Number 16 was chosen as the best player of the match. He arrives with momentum: he won the Golden Boot with Al Qadsiah of the Arab League, beating Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Happy and excited to have scored my first goal in a World Cup with this spectacular stadium full and the fans who came to support us from the first minute,” he declared.
From Colombia to national hero
Quiñones was born in Magüí Payán, in southern Colombia, a region marked by violence from armed groups and organized crime. He grew up with his mother, grandmother and three sisters. At the age of 19 he arrived in Mexico to join Tigres UANL, where he began his professional career.
After a decade in the country, he received his naturalization letter in October 2023. That same month he made his debut with the Mexican team in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League against Honduras. Since then he has established himself as a key piece of Tri.
Last April, in an interview with TUDN, he confessed his connection with the nation that welcomed him:
“Mexico has given me everything, my peace of mind, all the tranquility that I once dreamed of. The best way to thank Mexico is to represent it, I have always felt it in my heart.”
The Azteca, with its full capacity of 80,824 spectators, celebrated the first Mexican victory in an opening World Cup match. Quiñones appreciated the teamwork and highlighted that his colleagues have become family.
