Julian Quinones: From barefoot beginnings to World Cup hero
Naturalized Mexico forward Julian Quinones starred in the 2026 World Cup opener after beating Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Danilo Borges/ copa2014.gov.br Licença Creative Commons Atribuição 3.0 Brasil
Julian Quinones’ journey to World Cup glory began far from the roar of the Estadio Azteca. As a child playing barefoot in Magui Payan, he developed the relentless instinct and physical strength that would later define his attacking style. According to his mentors, those early conditions were vital in building his unique power and ball-striking ability.
His move to Mexico was the catalyst for his professional development. After stints with Tigres, Atlas, and Club América, Quinones transformed from a promising talent into a serial winner. He was instrumental in Atlas’ historic achievement of breaking a 70-year title drought, eventually securing back-to-back championships.
In 2024, he moved to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah in a deal worth $16 million. His time in the Saudi Pro League reached its peak in the 2025-26 season, where he scored 33 goals in 31 matches, finishing as the top scorer ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ivan Toney.
His World Cup debut for Mexico was the perfect stage to showcase this goal-scoring form. Despite his Colombian roots, Quinones has embraced the Mexican national team with full commitment, viewing the tournament as the realization of a lifelong dream. He now carries the weight of Mexican expectations as the team looks to progress deep into the home tournament.