Fulham star Raul Jimenez breaks record set by Manchester United cult hero
01/05/2025 12:34 PM
Raul Jimenez became the Premier League’s top-scoring Mexican, surpassing Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez with a brace against Ipswich.
The Fulham striker was part of a frantic draw at Craven Cottage, coming from behind each time to level the score.
Sammie Szmodics scored after a Calvin Bassey mistake but then drama ensued as Harry Wilson was fouled in the box.
Despite referee Darren Bond not initially blowing the whistle for a penalty he changed his decision after a VAR review.
Jimenez stepped up and slotted his record breaking shot down the middle to make it 1-1 on 69 minutes, his 54th goal in the Premier League in 179 appearances.
But then another penalty was awarded at the other end, not long after with Liam Delap slotting home to put Ipswich 2-1 up on 71 minutes.
It was the shortest gap between two penalty goals in a single half of a Premier League game since Opta began measuring the statistics in 2006/07.
It seemed that Ipswich would collect a much needed three points but Leif Davis tripped Jimenez which allowed him to convert his second penalty in the first minute of stoppage time.
His 55th goal to distance himself from the two-time Premier League winner Hernandez.
The Manchester United fan favourite joined in 2010 and scored double figures for five campaigns running.
Speaking on how hard it is taking two penalties in one game, Jimenez said: "It's the same. It's the style I have and I'm not going to change that. It's easy, I keep calm and I'm confident I'll score.."
Speaking on breaking the former Ma United player's record, Jimenez said: "I'm really happy with that record. It's hard work being in the UK for six and a half years. I've been working hard to achieve this and I got it now.
"I've had tough moments. Thank goodness I lived but I always knew I was going to be back stronger than ever and I'm really pleased that I'm doing this now, helping the team."
Jimenez first joined the Premier League as a Wolves player on loan from Benfica in 2018.
That campaign he netted 13 and was crucial to Wolves finishing seventh, their highest ever finish in the Premier League.
He was permanently signed for a fee in the region of £30m and continued to do well in the Midlands, netting 17 times in two successive seasons.
During the pandemic he sustained a life threatening head injury against Arsenal in November 2020 as he clashed with David Luiz.
He had emergency surgery for a major traumatic brain injury and skull fracture.
Jimenez returned in August 2021 and has since worn a special headband as protection.
He then swapped the midlands for London, specifically Fulham in 2023 where he has scored a total of 15 league goals in 44 appearances, eight this season.
