Raul Jimenez's Emotional Moment Transcends Football After Father's Passing
In a poignant display of human emotion that resonated far beyond the football pitch, Fulham striker Raul Jimenez experienced a moment of profound personal significance during a Premier League match on March 21, 2026. After converting a late penalty against Burnley, the Mexican international dropped to his knees in tears, looking skyward and pointing in tribute to his father, Raul Jimenez Vega, who had passed away just days earlier.
A Football Journey From Mexico to Premier League Stardom
Born on May 5, 1991, in Tepeji del Rio, Mexico, Jimenez began his professional career with Club America, making his first-team debut in 2011. His European journey took him to Atletico Madrid and Benfica before he found his true home at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018, where he became a beloved fan favorite. Since moving to Fulham in 2023, Jimenez has maintained his exceptional form, achieving a remarkable perfect record of 14 successful penalties in the Premier League as of March 23, 2026.
On the international stage, Jimenez has established himself as one of Mexico's all-time greats, with 121 appearances and 44 goals for the national team. His consistent excellence has been demonstrated through participation in three consecutive World Cups (2014, 2018, and 2022), cementing his legacy as a reliable performer at the highest level of international football.
The Personal Life Behind the Football Star
The emotional celebration following his penalty success naturally sparked public curiosity about Jimenez's life away from football, particularly his relationship with fiancée Daniela Basso and their young family.
Daniela Basso, born on June 23, 1989, in Mexico City, is an accomplished Mexican actress known for her roles in popular television series including La Rosa de Guadalupe, Como Dice el Dicho, and Simplemente Maria. Her established television career made her a recognizable figure in Mexican entertainment long before her relationship with the football star became public knowledge.
A Love Story Built on Shared Moments
The couple first connected in July 2017 through mutual friends, developing their relationship away from excessive media attention. Their family began with the birth of daughter Arya in July 2020, arriving just hours after Jimenez scored for Wolves against Crystal Palace. Two years later, on May 5, 2022, they welcomed son Ander on Jimenez's birthday, creating a special double celebration for the family each year.
In February 2025, Jimenez shared the joyful news of their engagement through social media, posting romantic photographs from the Swiss Alps with a heartfelt Spanish caption that translated to: "With the Swiss Alps as our witnesses, today, more than a commitment, we make a promise to spend a lifetime together. I love you! She said Yes!" While some reports have referred to them as married, no official confirmation of a wedding ceremony has been provided to date.
The intersection of professional achievement and personal life has created a compelling narrative around Jimenez, whose emotional tribute to his father revealed the depth of character behind his footballing success. As he continues his career with Fulham and the Mexican national team, fans now appreciate not just his penalty-taking prowess but the family man behind the goals.
