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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO CITY – JUNE 11: Raul Jimenez #9 of Mexico reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez has a lot on his mind as El Tri prepares for their last-16 showdown against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup, but the veteran still took time to honor one of the most important people in his life.
Jimenez warmly congratulated his fiancée, Mexican actress Daniela Basso, via Instagram, reminding fans of the strong support system that has helped him through one of football’s most remarkable comeback stories.
The Fulham striker wrote in Spanish:
“No matter how many years pass, there will always be something new to admire about you. Thank you for being my home. Happy birthday, my love. 😘🎊🎉🥳🎂 I love you”
Translated into English, the message reads: “No matter how many years pass, there will always be something new to admire about you. Thank you for being my home. Happy birthday my love. I love you.”
Jimenez also recently shared another Instagram post ahead of Tuesday’s knockout match against Ecuador, simply writing: “Listos!🔥⚽️.”
Daniela Basso was by Raul Jimenez’s side throughout his incredible comeback
Jimenez Basso’s message is even more meaningful given everything the couple has been through together over the past few years.
As ESPN’s Cesar Hernandez detailed, Jimenez’s career and life changed forever during a Premier League match in November 2020 while he was playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Mexico international suffered a serious skull fracture after colliding with Arsenal defender David Luiz, an injury that left him unconscious on the pitch.
Former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo recalled a frightening scene from a documentary about the club.
“There are things that you can erase from your memories, but that moment will stay forever… and then (that) noise that will stay with me. And then you start listening: ‘Code Red, Code Red’. Is he alive? What is Code Red?
Jimenez later reflected on how lucky he was to survive the incident.
“They told me it was like a miracle to be there,” Jimenez said. Guardian. “A skull fracture, a broken bone, there was a little bleeding inside the brain. It was pushing my brain in.”
This is a miracle Jimenez on the field for the Mexican national team
Football quickly took a backseat, with Jimenez spending more than six months recovering before making a rousing return to competition in 2021, wearing the protective headband that has since become part of his signature look.
Now 35, Jimenez has completed one of the greatest comeback stories in international football.
“I imagined a lot of things: starting the match, scoring a goal and lifting the trophy,” Jimenez said. “I think it’s something we first have to imagine, think about, dream about. And then go into every match with the intention of making it happen.”
That dream became a reality when Jimenez scored Mexico’s second goal in their World Cup-opening win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. The emotional header brought the veteran striker to tears.
Mexico will now look to continue their World Cup journey by meeting Ecuador in the round of 16. If Mexico wins the match, it will play the winner of the match between England and DR Congo on July 1 at 9am PT.
Isaac Zuniga is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills. He has also covered major sporting events including the 2026 Super Bowl, 2026 Winter Olympics and 2026 World Cup. More about Isaac Zunig