Why the world loves Julián Quiñones’ inspiring journey
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Behind the footballer now shining in Mexico’s jersey is a story of struggle and resilience. Julián Quiñones grew up in Magüí Payán, a town in southern Colombia that for years was plagued by poverty, violence, guerrilla activity, and drug trafficking. Far from the bright lights of major stadiums and the spotlight of the 2026 World Cup, his childhood was shaped by challenges that made his journey to becoming one of Mexico’s key players even more remarkable.
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Colombian by birth and Mexican by choice, Quiñones was raised surrounded by women: his mother, grandmother, and three sisters. His father left the family when he was very young. Amid hardship, farm work, and a difficult family environment, football emerged as a chance to change his destiny.
His talent quickly began to attract attention in local tournaments and while representing Colombia at youth national team levels. That potential opened the door for him to move to Mexico in 2015 and join Tigres, a decision that would transform his life.
He arrived as a teenager, far from his family and homeland, but found in Mexico a place where he could grow as a footballer, build a family, win titles, and forge a new identity.
Over the years, as he starred in Liga MX with clubs such as Tigres, Atlas, and América, Quiñones did not receive the same level of recognition from Colombia’s senior national team. Mexico, however, welcomed him and made him feel valued.
“Mexico opened its doors for me to become the person I am today, and I believe the best way to thank them for everything is by playing for the national team and giving my very best, just as they have given so much to me throughout these years,” the forward told TUDN.
Today, Quiñones is living the other side of that story. The boy who grew up facing adversity in Colombia and traveled to Mexico in search of an opportunity is now one of El Tri’s standout players at the 2026 World Cup, a footballer who represents power, determination, and a story of perseverance that resonates with thousands of Mexican fans.
Where was Julián Quiñones born and how old is he?
Julián Andrés Quiñones Quiñones was born on March 24, 1997, in Magüí, Nariño, Colombia. He is currently 29 years old and plays primarily as a striker, although he is also capable of operating on the wings, according to Transfermarkt.
Although he was born in Colombia, Quiñones built virtually his entire professional career in Mexico. He arrived in the country in 2015 to join Tigres UANL’s youth academy after standing out in Cali’s youth soccer system.
Who does Julián Quiñones play for?
At the club level, Quiñones currently plays for Al-Qadsiah FC in the Saudi Pro League. The forward joined the Saudi club in 2024 from Club América and, according to his Transfermarkt profile, is under contract through 2029.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Quiñones established himself as one of Liga MX’s top stars, winning championships with Tigres, Atlas, and América.
Which clubs has Julián Quiñones played for?
Julián Quiñones’ career has included:
- Futbol Paz, in Colombia, where he developed through the youth ranks.
- Tigres UANL, the club that brought him to Mexico in 2015.
- Venados de Mérida, where he played on loan.
- Lobos BUAP, where he emerged as a prolific goalscorer in Liga MX.
- Atlas, where he won back-to-back league titles and became a fan favorite.
- Club América, where he also won a championship and further solidified his reputation as a star player.
- Al-Qadsiah FC, his current club in Saudi Arabia.
In Mexico, his spell with Atlas proved especially significant. He initially joined the club on loan before being signed permanently. With the Guadalajara-based side, he helped end a long championship drought by winning two consecutive Liga MX titles. Later, in 2023, Club América reached an agreement with Atlas to secure his transfer.
Why does Julián Quiñones play for Mexico if he is colombian?
Quiñones represents Mexico because he obtained Mexican citizenship and became eligible to play for the national team. The forward received his naturalization certificate in October 2023 and was called up to the Mexican National Team later that same year.
His decision was driven by both personal and professional reasons. Mexico is the country where he established himself as a player, started a family, and achieved the greatest successes of his club career. Since arriving at Tigres in 2015, his career has been closely tied to Mexican soccer.
The striker has said that representing Mexico’s national team was his way of giving back to the country that gave him so much. For Quiñones, wearing El Tri’s jersey was not just a football opportunity—it was also a gesture of gratitude toward the place where he was able to establish himself as a professional and build the life he has today.
Did the Colombian National Team also try to recruit Julián Quiñones?
Yes. Reports indicate that Colombia attempted to recruit Julián Quiñones before his commitment to Mexico became official.
During the peak years of his Liga MX career, the forward did not receive the same level of support or recognition from Colombia’s senior national team. That only reinforced the perception that Mexico truly valued him, giving him the opportunity to represent the country on the biggest stage of his career.
In 2023, Mediotiempo reported that the striker revealed he never even read the letter sent by the Colombian Football Federation while Mexico was also pursuing him.
“I always felt it in my heart. When the opportunity from Colombia came, I was on vacation with my family in Colombia. My agent asked me, ‘Did you read the letter?’ and I told him, ‘No, I’m not going to read Colombia’s letter,’ and we rejected it. Colombia’s representatives approached me, came to see me, and spoke with me, but I always told them no,” he told TUDN that year.
The attacker ultimately chose Mexico and has since become one of the most important players in El Tri’s plans.
Who is Julián Quiñones’ wife?
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Julián Quiñones is married to Ana Gabriela Quiñones Amato, a Mexican communications graduate, model, and social media influencer. Through her social media platforms, she shares content focused on lifestyle, travel, and fitness.
Julián and Ana Gabriela began their relationship in 2022, when the forward was playing for Atlas in Guadalajara and enjoying one of the best stretches of his professional career. After several months of dating, the soccer player proposed during a private dinner in November 2022.
The couple were married in a civil ceremony in December 2022, and one year later they celebrated their religious wedding surrounded by family and close friends. They are also the parents of a daughter named Alanna, who was born on December 26, 2023.
One of Mexico’s standout players at the 2026 World Cup
Quiñones’ story has been completely transformed at this World Cup. The forward arrived as one of the most closely scrutinized naturalized players and has since become one of the most beloved figures among Mexican fans.
His goal against Ecuador highlighted his importance to Mexico’s attack and reinforced the belief that El Tri has found a special player, powerful, direct, fearless in one-on-one situations, and capable of making an impact in the biggest matches. For a national team that spent years searching for greater attacking firepower, Quiñones has emerged as an immediate answer.
Today, the Colombian-born forward who chose to represent Mexico is one of the faces of El Tri at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His story connects two nations, but his present is undeniably green.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why the world loves Julián Quiñones’ inspiring journey