One of the most distressing moments in recent years for Mexican soccer fans was Raúl Jiménez’s injury in 2020, following a severe head collision with Brazilian player David Luiz, which resulted in a skull fracture and nearly led him to retire from the sport.
In a recent interview, Luiz reflected on the incident that occurred five years ago, explaining that it was an unfortunate accident. He acknowledged that Mexican fans often viewed the situation differently, blaming him for the injury and assuming he intended to harm Jiménez. “It was an accident; to this day, no clear images exist because they were cut. Many Mexicans attacked me, thinking I did it intentionally. Raúl and I both know it was an accident,” said Luiz.
Currently playing for Fortaleza in Brazil, Luiz expressed his sadness over the incident but noted that things have changed significantly since then. He feels joy for Jiménez, who has regained his form on the pitch and returned to his high-level performance. “I am really happy because Raúl deserves the best possible,” added the defender. He also mentioned that he stayed in contact with Jiménez in the months following the accident to check on his well-being.
Today, the paths of both players are completely different from what they were in 2020, with Jiménez continuing in the Premier League with Fulham while Luiz has returned to his home country with Fortaleza.
This story highlights the resilience and determination of athletes like Jiménez, who faced adversity but persevered to reclaim their spot in the sport. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of compassion and understanding in the wake of accidents.