Chicharito Backs Jiménez's Record Chase for El Tri
The story of Mexico's top football scorers just got a new chapter. Chicharito Hernández, who owns the title as Mexico's all-time leading scorer with 52 goals, doesn't just watch from the sidelines—he’s cheering on the guy gunning for his record. Raúl Jiménez, currently at 40 international goals, is closer than anyone's been in years. Chicharito isn’t worried, though. Instead, he’s all praise, highlighting how individual records are simply the outcome of hard teamwork and single-minded effort on the field.
Jiménez, not content to stay in Chicharito’s shadow, has delivered big-time over the past year. His name has been all over the scoresheet in major tournaments. Remember the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League final against Panama? Jiménez was the man of the hour, scoring both goals in a tense 2-1 win. That wasn’t a one-off—during the Gold Cup, he helped push Mexico to victory over the Dominican Republic in a nail-biting 3-2 match. Every performance keeps adding up, nudging him closer to the long-standing record most thought was out of reach.
Different Generations, Same Ambition
It’s easy to see how these two legends represent completely different generations of Mexican soccer. Chicharito, last seen in the green jersey back in 2019, was the star for a decade. Jiménez picked up the baton and hasn’t looked back. There’s a contrast in their club careers as well. While Chicharito set a benchmark in England’s Premier League with 37 goals, Jiménez has now surpassed that, racking up 55 goals and carving out a reputation as one of the most reliable Mexican strikers abroad.
But for Jiménez, it isn’t just about chasing numbers. His recent run comes after rebounding from tough injuries and some critics wondering if he could ever return to top form. Now, he’s leading from the front, giving younger players a clear example of resilience and consistency. He captains his country in some of the most pressure-packed moments, often stepping up when the stakes are highest. Team spirit and the shared goal of international glory always seem to come first for both men, but the pursuit of history is hard to ignore.
Fans across Mexico are already picking sides, debating when—not if—Jiménez will finally break the record Chicharito held for years. What’s certain is that as long as Jiménez stays healthy and keeps finding the back of the net, Mexican football is in safe hands. And don’t expect any rivalry drama—Chicharito's support is clear, showing that for El Tri’s best, legacy isn’t about ego, it’s about lifting each other higher.
