Who is Julián Quiñones? World Cup star who outscored Cristiano Ronaldo

Mexico got off to a flying start in their World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday, taking the lead after nine minutes at the Azteca Stadium.

The goal came from Julián Quiñones, the 29-year-old forward who currently plays for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. Quiñones was not a guaranteed starter under Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre, possessing a modest record of four goals in his first 23 international appearances.

World Cup kickoff: Mexico vs. South Africa live

But he wrote his name into the World Cup history books on Thursday by scoring the first goal of the 2026 tournament. The goal was a nicely-struck finish, burrowed past South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. It was a finish of a confident player, and that’s exactly what Quiñones is.

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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