This article delves into the life story of a South American football sensation famously known as “RJ9.” We’ll take you on a journey through Raúl Jiménez’s life, starting from his childhood days spent with his younger sister, Miri, all the way to his rise to fame. From his early years and family background to his love story with Daniela Bassom and his incredible career trajectory, Raúl Jiménez’s biography offers much more than just his success on the pitch.
While many know him as a prolific striker, few are aware of the full extent of his personal journey. This story sheds light on the man behind the footballer, exploring his relationships, personal life, and the moments that shaped him into the player he is today. Get ready to explore the fascinating life of RJ9 as we dive into his inspiring biography. Now, without further ado, let’s get started.
Inside the Life of Raúl Jiménez: Beyond the Pitch and into His Heart
Raul Jimenez Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
For Biography starters, his full name is Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez. Raul Jimenez was born on the 5th day of May 1991.
He was born to his mother, Martha Rodríguez, and his father, Raúl Jiménez Vega, in Tepeji, Mexico.
Raul Jimenez’s parents, Martha Rodríguez and Raúl Jiménez Vega, provided him with a strong foundation for his success.
Meet Raúl Jiménez’s parents – his Mum (Martha Rodríguez) and Dad (Raúl Jiménez Vega).
It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been together. But when you see a happy couple, you just know it! From his birth in Tepeji, Mexico, Martha and Vega nurtured his talents and helped him pursue his dreams.
Both Martha and Vega decided to build a medium-class family household in Tepeji, a Mexican town known for its beautiful Lake named Requena.
Raul Jiménez grew up with his siblings: a sister named Miranda Jiménez and two brothers, the taller named Raúl André and a last born of the Jimenez family, whose name is still Raul. All kids were born into the Mestizo Mexican heritage, which is a mixture of European and Indigenous Mexican.
Meet Raul Jimenez’s siblings.
Growing up with a Jovial and caring Brother:
Right from his childhood days, Raul had known that it actually takes more muscles to frown than smile. This could be seen in his relentless smiling habit, as observed in the childhood photos below.
Meet Raul Jimenez as a kid. Some smiles never change.
Early on as a child, Raul Jimenez also exhibited the trait of being a caring Brother, one who put his little sister “Miri“ (Miranda Jiménez) as close as his hands and feet and never let her wander in the dark alone.
A very caring Raul Jimenez with his little sister.
Early Football Journey:
After playing for patches of local teams, Raul’s passion for football saw him enrol into the youth academy roster of Club América, which gave him the stage to showcase his talents. He started his professional journey with Club América’s youth system in 2008, eventually making his first division debut in October 2011.
The following year, the 21-year-old Jimenez represented his country at the 2012 Olympic Games, where his team defeated Neymar’s Brazil to collect the gold medal. That was his international springboard.
Young Raul Jimenez was one of the bright lights for Mexico at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Immediately after the Olympic victory, everyone could tell Raul was hungry. The next year, Raul Jimenez went on to win his first championship with América in 2013.
This victory was followed by Raul winning the Clausura tournament, a moment when European scouts started knocking at his doors.
Journey to Fame Story:
In 2014, Jimenez followed the route many of his Mexican compatriots have taken. He finally headed for Europe.
Jimenez signed for Atletico Madrid, who was, at that time, the reigning Spanish La Liga champions. He saw himself being given the unenviable task of replacing the Governor, Diego Costa.
“It’s no small feat trying to live up to legends like Diego Forlan, Diego Costa, and Radamel Falcao,” Jimenez once remarked during his early days at Atlético Madrid.
“Both Diego Forlan and Costa are great players who delivered the goods when they came here. So, I have to make my own history and do what I came here to do – which is score goals.”
Unfortunately, Jimenez didn’t live up to Diego Simeone‘s expectations. This resulted in him being shipped out to join Benfica.
Raul Jimenez Bio – The Success Story:
Raul Jimenez was sold to Benfica. With the club, he won two consecutive league titles, which he celebrated with his family.
Choosing between 90 Minutes or a Transfer:
One fact wasn’t pleasing for the Mexican. The fact that he scored 18 goals in 80 league appearances for Benfica, with 60 of those outings coming from the bench.
Raul Jimenez wasn’t satisfied with the fact that he couldn’t still play 90 minutes. This made him leave Benfica for Nuno Espirito Santo‘s Wolves project.
The arrivals of Willy Boly, Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota excited the Mexicans, who considered the Wolves’ biggest coup at that time.
At Wolves, Raul Jimenez got his 90 minutes of play, which rebooted his career, making him prolific in front of goal. With the likes of Max Kilman and Conor Coady doing their defensive work, he does his part by scoring.
Without a doubt, his untapped goalscoring potential within his armoury was fine-tuned in Wolves.
The rest, as they say, is history for the footballer who, as of 2024, is making his mark at Fulham.
Raul Jimenez and Daniela Bassom – The Love Story:
Behind every great man, there’s always a woman, or so the saying goes. Now, behind almost every successful Mexican footballer, there’s a glamorous WAG, as seen in the beautiful person of Daniela Bassom.
“Celebrating 1 year at your side! Thank you for being part of my life and for being at every moment with me. I love you 😍😘@danielabassom”
Jimenez’s striking abilities, as well as his lifestyle off the pitch, build up a complete picture of his Swagger, as observed here.
Personality outside Football:
Getting to know Raul Jimenez’s personal life would help you get a complete picture of him. Something interesting about him is that he does not like fruit.
Raul once revealed that when he was a little kid, his parents made him try eating a banana, and he did not like it. From then on, he did not like any type of fruit.
That unexpected aversion – A childhood experience with a banana turned him off all fruits.
Back then, Jimenez, as a child, preferred to eat other meals but not fruits. He grew up continuing his distaste for fruits.
Nickname Fact:
Back home, Raul Jimenez is nicknamed “Alo”, which is the short form of “Alonso“, his middle name. This is because his dad and two other brothers are also named “Raul”.
Love for Dolphins:
Away from football, Jimenez loves to go play with the Dolphins.
Fact Check:
Thanks for reading our Raul Jimenez Biography Facts. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you Mexican Football Stories. Kindly stay tuned for more. The Life Histories of Guillermo Ochoa and Uriel Antuna will interest you. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.
