Julián Quiñones – Mexico’s Breakout Star

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Hooligan Soccer

·11 Juni 2026

Julián Quiñones – Mexico’s Breakout Star

The most surprising player in Mexico’s opening game against South Africa wasn’t 17 year-old Gilberto Mora, who entered the game in the 66th minute. Or Raúl Jimenez, whose 67th minute goal was his first in a World Cup, and slaked his competitive national scoring drought (which stemmed from July 2025). Or debutante Sphephelo Sithole, whose errant touch led to Mexico’s first goal, and 48th minute red card for taking down Brian Gutíerrez on a breakaway all but handed the hosts a victory.

Rather, it was a 29 year-old attacker named Julián Quiñones who exploded into World Cup prominence.

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Who is Julián Quiñones?

Quiñones was born in Colombia, and represented that country as a U20 player 13 times. He moved to Mexico in 2016 after being recruited by Tigres UANL, spending the next eight years in the country. After two torrid seasons with Liga MX side Atlas, when he scored 36 goals across 86 matches, he received a call-up from Colombia.

And said: “No thank you.”

Instead, he switched allegiance to his adopted homeland, and after going through naturalization, began playing for El Tri. He had 22 caps before starting in one of the arguably biggest games for Mexico in a generation, and showed up.

An Expected Start from a Relative Unknown

Our Mexico correspondent Alejandro Orellana characterized Quiñones as “absolutely the best player México has” and a winger “in his prime.” Though his start would be expected for those who follow El Tri, he lacks the name familiarity of other stars. He does, after all, play abroad in Saudi Arabia for Al-Qadsiah (not one of their bigger clubs).

But that will change after today

.In the 9th minute, gifted a ball from a poor South African attempt to build out (calling you out, Sithole), he fired a low hard shot. Catching keeper Ronwen Williams in a wide stance, the ball nutmegged him and hit the net.

Again in the 42nd minute, Quiñones had a shot that struck the post, mere centimeters away from a brace. In the second half, his pass to Roberto Alvarado and subsequent run into the box freed up space for Raúl Jímenez, who headed Alvarado’s cross to give Mexico a two goal lead.

He rightly was awarded Man of the Match honors, and put up some monster stats in his 79 minutes on the field.

He led Mexico in shots (5), successful dribbles (5) and had a 83% pass completion accuracy.