Who is Julián Quiñones? 2026 World Cup star who outscored Cristiano Ronaldo
The Mexico forward struck first in the round of 32 against Ecuador. He has just completed a brilliant club season.
Mexico’s momentum has carried directly into the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup. In the opening minutes of their highly anticipated round of 32 clash against Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium, El Tri found an early breakthrough thanks to Julián Quiñones, who clinically fired Mexico into a 1-0 lead.
The goal marks another massive milestone for the 29-year-old forward, who previously wrote his name into the history books by scoring the first goal of the 2026 World Cup during Mexico’s opening group stage match against South Africa. Quiñones, who initially fought to cement his spot under head coach Javier Aguirre, has quickly proved to be a confident and clinical figure on soccer’s biggest stage.
How many goals has Julián Quiñones scored?
Colombia-born Quiñones had spent his entire career in Mexico, representing the likes of Tigres, Atlas and Club América in Liga MX. In 2024 he made the move overseas to sign with Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah and has not looked back since.
He finished the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season as top scorer, finishing ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and England striker Ivan Toney. He has 62 goals across 68 appearances for the Saudi club, an incredible record for a wide player.
With the opening day goal against South Africa Quiñones continues his incredible goal-scoring form and stakes his claim to be one of the unlikely stars of the 2026 World Cup. He could be the man to fire Mexico to ‘El Quinto Partido’, the long-awaited fifth game of a World Cup.
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