Mexico’s Raul Jimenez scores and salutes Diogo Jota in emotional Gold Cup clash | OneFootball

Raul Jimenez pays tribute to Diogo Jota in emotional Gold Cup final moment

Jimenez’s goal honours fallen friend and former Wolves teammate

Raul Jimenez produced a moment of deep poignancy during Mexico’s Concacaf Gold Cup final clash with the United States, honouring his late friend and former Wolves teammate Diogo Jota in a gesture that resonated far beyond the football pitch.

The Fulham striker struck a vital equaliser in the 27th minute at Houston’s NRG Stadium, cancelling out Chris Richards’ early opener. But it was Jimenez’s muted celebration that captured the evening’s emotional weight. After scoring, he briefly acknowledged his teammates before taking a seat on the turf, holding up a Mexico jersey bearing Jota’s name and number 20 — and mimicking a video game celebration the pair once shared.

The tribute came just three days after Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal forward, tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain. He was 28.

Wolves connection forged lasting friendship

Jimenez and Jota built their friendship during a fruitful spell together at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2018 to 2020, a period marked by Wolves’ re-emergence in the Premier League and European competition. The pair were instrumental in the club’s success under Nuno Espírito Santo, often linking up on the pitch and bonding off it.

Their chemistry was evident both in front of goal and away from Molineux. Jimenez, reflecting on their time together, spoke of the deep connection they shared.

“He was a great teammate,” he said this week. “We shared many beautiful moments being important parts of what Wolves achieved in those times. It’s very tough to learn this type of news about someone so close to you and who was a great friend.”

Jota’s sudden passing has left a palpable void across the footballing world. Tributes have poured in from current and former teammates, coaches, and fans across Europe and beyond. But for Jimenez, the loss was personal — and his tribute during one of Mexico’s biggest matches in recent memory made that heartbreak clear.

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Gold Cup final shaped by early drama and emotion

The final itself was charged with intensity from the opening whistle. Chris Richards had given the United States an early lead in the fourth minute, rising to meet Sebastian Berhalter’s curling free-kick with a powerful header.

But Mexico, galvanised by their talismanic forward and the memory he carried with him, responded with urgency and purpose. Jimenez’s strike drew El Tri level before half-time and swung momentum in their favour.

Beyond the result, it was Jimenez’s tribute that became the defining image of the night — a moment where football, grief, and camaraderie converged under the stadium lights.

Legacy of Diogo Jota extends beyond Anfield and Molineux

While Jota’s career was tragically cut short, his impact remains indelible. From Porto to Wolves and finally Liverpool, he earned a reputation as a fiercely intelligent and relentless forward — capable of changing a game in an instant.

His time at Anfield saw him become a key component of Jürgen Klopp’s attacking plans, featuring prominently in Liverpool’s domestic and European campaigns. But it was his humility, generosity, and rapport with teammates like Jimenez that defined him as more than just a footballer.

As Mexico and Jimenez now turn the page towards future fixtures, Jota’s memory travels with them — not just in shirts or celebrations, but in every moment where the game offers connection beyond competition.