From surviving capturing to X-rated celebration – who’s World Cup opening scorer Julián Quiñones
Mexico front man Julián Quiñones will no doubt have his name in the history books after scoring the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup, but who is the talented frontman?
While the match’s three red cards will no doubt make the headlines, Mexican forward Julián Quiñones has signed his name in the history books after scoring the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup.
The 29-year-old was the best player on the pitch until his 79th minute substitution, not only opening getting on the scoresheet himself but setting up Wolves striker Raul Jimenez’s second with a sumptuous cross from the right hand side.
Despite showing his undoubtable quality on football’s biggest stage, many will not be familiar with the former Atlas FC man, who had spent the entirety of his career in his home country Mexico until Saudi side Al-Qadsiah splashed €13.80m on the forward in 2024.
Since making the switch, Quiñones has been a shining light for his new side, scoring 62 goals in 68 games in the Saudi league, and even winning the golden boot this season ahead of the likes of England’s Ivan Toney and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Quiñones goals have often been the thing to put him in the limelight, the forward’s celebration have also garnered him attention, and not always for the right reasons.
The Mexican was in fact sent off for one such goal celebration, after he made an obscene gesture directly at the referee.
Having already been booked for taking his shirt off having scored a goal for Mexican side Atlas against rivals Chivas, Quiñones appeared to grab his crotch and gesture at the opposition bench, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off.
Off the pitch, Quiñones made headlines back in 2022 after he reportedly survived a terrifying shooting that took place in front of them in Jalisco, Mexico.
He and his partner Ana Gabriela were trapped in the middle gun battle erupted near the upmarket Plaza Andares shopping centre in Zapopan, Mexico, according to reports.
The striker had been seen in the area shortly before armed men reportedly opened fire, sparking panic among shoppers and a major military response.
One person was killed and two others were injured in the incident, according to South and central American news outlet InfoBae.
Afterwards, Ana Gabriela revealed the couple had witnessed the terrifying scenes, posting on Instagram: “What a nightmare we experienced today. God protect us always from all evil.”
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