World Cup: Why Raul Jimenez was emotional after scoring against South Africa – Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has revealed why Raul Jimenez was emotional after scoring a goal for Mexico against South Africa in the World Cup opener on Thursday.

Goals from Jimenez and Julian Quinones gave Mexico a 2-0 victory against South Africa.

The encounter was Jimenez’s first-ever World Cup, and he had previously overcome a career-threatening skull fracture in 2020.

The Wolves striker also lost his father three months ago at the age of 62.

Speaking on Fox, Henry gave a very personal reading of the 35-year-old’s emotional reaction at the Mexico City Stadium.

“Why was he emotional? Because I remember everyone thought his career was over, then he came back, but I am sure he was thinking of his dad,” Henry said.

“He was looking at the boxes, and I think he realised his dad was not sitting there and seeing him score at a World Cup at the Estadio Azteca. I will be honest, we are talking about emotion, and we already have a massive emotional moment.”