It is the kind of story that could only happen at a World Cup. Julian Quinones, a 29-year-old Colombian who has never set foot in Mexico for more than a decade, now stands between England and a quarter-final place. The last-16 tie at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, live on BBC One, will see Quinones face a defence that has been heavily debated on the right flank – and he has already scored three times in this tournament.
Quinones was born in Magui Payan, a village in southern Colombia he describes as 'a very far away, forgotten village'. Growing up in poverty, he left his amateur team Futbol Paz at 17 to join Mexican side Tigres. 'I was young and I hesitated when thinking about leaving my country, in order to pursue new goals and paths,' he said.
“Julian Quinones, a Colombian-born Mexican striker with three World Cup goals, faces England in the last-16.”
He spent eight years in Mexico with Tigres, Atlas and Club America, scoring over 70 goals in the top flight. Despite representing Colombia at youth level in 2017 and 2018, he heard nothing from his homeland. When a call from Colombia finally came in 2023, he was already eligible to play for Mexico through naturalisation – and he joined their squad instead.
'I found a very generous country,' Quinones said. 'People welcome you, help you stand out, grow personally, and I loved it, so, little by little, I started to settle, I felt welcomed. I'll always be very grateful for those moments. Mexico made me a great person.' He now has a Mexican wife and children, and refers to Mexico as 'my country'.
Last season, Quinones won the Saudi Pro League golden boot, outscoring even Cristiano Ronaldo. His £12m move to Al-Qadsiah came after six league titles in Mexico – two with each of his permanent clubs. Now, on the left wing in the high altitude of Mexico City, he will be the man England's full-backs fear most.
'Knowing I could overcome everything, even with all the difficulties and the lack of support, motivates me even more to keep on fighting, doing my best with every ball I get and in every match,' Quinones said. 'I also do it for my family.' And if he fires Mexico past England, he will become a legend.