“I don’t know, man… If Raúl Jiménez is our only replacement for Mitro, then that screams relegation to me.”
This is what Sammy James said to me after we heard the news Fulham had signed the then-misfiring Raúl Jiménez for £5.5m from Wolves in the summer of 2023. You may be wondering why I’m outing my fellow Fulhamish host, business partner, and friend, by quoting him like this. It’s because – to my shame – I agreed with him.
Fast forward to now, and I have never been happier to have been proved wrong. I believe Raúl Jiménez has earned cult hero status at Fulham. Here’s why:
The origin
Jiménez arrived in SW6 amid continued speculation of Aleksandar Mitrović’s impending departure. Our Serbian talisman did indeed trade Bishops Park for endless sands; the river for nondescript shopping malls; greatness for bucketloads of cash.
We were heartbroken, and Raúl was held up to us like a rescue puppy gifted to the kids by parents trying to appease the kids following a painful divorce.
The discount price for a proven Premier League striker was an indication that Wolves were prepared to cut their losses on a forward who had – totally understandably – struggled for form.
We can’t deny that the transition was difficult; Raúl endured a 336-day goal drought before finally finding the net for the Whites. We knew the talent he possessed, but the injury that almost cost him his life had taken its toll.
Skip forward three years, and there’s a genuine claim that the very signing we initially questioned is perhaps the most shrewd bit of business the club has pulled off in recent history. We’ve had 24 goals (and counting) for £5.5m – not a bad return at all. Silva’s unwavering trust in Raúl has paid off, as he has rediscovered the predatory instincts that once made him one of the league’s most feared strikers.
The comeback
First season under his belt, and following a backheel-laden purple patch, I wrote how we could potentially expect an Indian Summer from Raúl in the 2024/25 season. With one year left on his contract, I predicted our vintage Mexican would find fine form with an eye to securing an extension.
14 goals in 43 games in all competitions proved me right, I’d say. After helping us beat Bretford at the GTech, do the double over Newcastle, bag a winner from the spot away at Nottingham Forest and gain an impressive point at home to Arsenal (to name but a few), he had rightly earned his new contract.
What’s more, in January 2025, a brace from the penalty spot against Ipswich Town saw him overtake Javier Hernández as the highest-scoring Mexican player in Premier League history, a milestone that cemented his legacy in English football while wearing Fulham white. On top of this, Raúl became the joint most-deadly footballer in the history of the Premier League from the penalty spot, tied with Yaya Toure with a 100% record from 11 spotkicks.
This season Raúl has found a new gear. A goal and that celebration during Fulham’s recent victory over Chelsea will be enough in many people’s eyes to secure cult hero status alone. Unless something monumental happens, perhaps that will be the cherry on the top of Raúl’s Fulham career. Sprinkle in winners against Sunderland, Forest and West Ham this season already… and you’ve got yourself an Icon Sundae.
During Muniz’s period on the sideline I’ve repeatedly excused Raúl for his perceived ‘tiredness’ after playing so many minutes at the ripe old age of 34. But the truth is… he looks more energised than ever. Game after game, Raúl puts in aggressive, tenacious performances and looks a man hell-bent to hit the form of his life going into a home World Cup this summer.
He only ever looks tired after running himself into oblivion for 85 minutes before Marco reluctantly gives JKA his cameo. His game has developed at Fulham under Marco. He is no longer an out-and-out poacher, but is instrumental in Fulham’s attacking build-ups, linking play spectacularly with deft touches and skillful flicks. During the average game Jiménez makes more connections than an out-of-work Jake Humphries on LinkedIn.
The icon
Performances on the pitch aside, cult heroes aren’t defined by trophies or goal tallies; they’re remembered for moments, resilience, and the bond they form with supporters. In all of these respects, Jiménez fits the profile perfectly.
His continued performances show a player motivated not just to score goals, but to contribute selflessly to the team’s cause. His intelligent movement, link-up play, and willingness to battle physically made him a crucial focal point in Fulham’s attack, even in matches where he didn’t find the net.
What truly elevates Jiménez to cult hero status is his narrative of redemption. Us supporters cherish stories of perseverance, and Jiménez’s return to elite football after his injury resonates deeply. Each goal he scores carries emotional weight, not only because of its importance to Fulham’s results, but because it symbolises triumph over adversity. We don’t simply celebrate his goals; we celebrate the man behind them.
Jiménez embodies values Fulham fans admire; professionalism, humility, and visible passion for the badge that reflects a player who understands the privilege of representing our club. He celebrates goals with genuine emotion (even when imitating a turbot), acknowledges the fans, and plays with a sense of gratitude. That connection cannot be manufactured; it is earned through authenticity.
For these reasons, Raúl Jiménez deserves recognition as a Fulham cult hero. Who knows, he may even be a cup run away from legend status.
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