In a thrilling finale to the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League, Mexico clinched their first-ever title in the competition with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Panama, thanks to a heroic performance by Raúl Jiménez. The Fulham striker scored both goals for El Tri, including a dramatic 92nd-minute penalty, to secure the historic win and cement his place as one of Mexico’s all-time greats.
Jiménez opened the scoring in the 8th minute, giving Mexico an early lead with a composed finish. However, Panama fought back valiantly, and Adalberto Carrasquilla equalized in first-half stoppage time, setting the stage for a tense second half. With the match seemingly headed for extra time, a handball by Panama’s José Córdoba in the dying moments gifted Mexico a penalty. Jiménez stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, sending the Mexican fans into raptures and sealing the victory.
The win marks a significant milestone for Mexico, who had never previously won the Nations League since its inception. It also extends their unbeaten streak against Panama to 16 matches. For Jiménez, the triumph was particularly special, as he surpassed Cuauhtémoc Blanco to become Mexico’s third-highest all-time scorer with 39 goals. He is now just 13 goals shy of breaking Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s record.
“Mission accomplished,” Jiménez said after the match. “These games are tough, but we played with heart and determination. The team worked hard, and we’re thrilled to bring this title home. This is just the beginning—I still have a lot to give to the national team.”
Under the guidance of head coach Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s resurgence continues to gather momentum. The victory adds to their impressive collection of 17 official titles, including 12 Gold Cups, two NAFC championships, one Confederations Cup, and one CONCACAF Cup. The Nations League triumph is a testament to the team’s growing confidence and ambition on the international stage.
For Panama, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but their spirited performance showcased their progress as a competitive force in the region. Meanwhile, Mexico’s fans can celebrate a landmark achievement, with Jiménez leading the charge as their talismanic hero. As the team looks ahead to future challenges, this victory will serve as a foundation for even greater success.
Raúl Jiménez Inspires Mexico to Historic CONCACAF Nations League Triumph Over Panama
