Julián Quiñones—wearing the number 16 jersey for the Mexican national team—has undoubtedly emerged as a standout figure for the squad; today, he made history once again by scoring the opening goal in the match against Ecuador, a game determining a spot in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
With this goal, Quiñones solidifies his status as the *Tricolor’s* best player.
Given this, many wonder why a player of such immense talent chose to play for a different national team rather than that of his country of origin—especially considering he was born in Colombia but became a naturalized Mexican citizen.
Quiñones has stated on numerous occasions that, ever since arriving in Mexico, he knew he wanted to play for the country’s national team—a decision he stuck with until he realized his dream, despite receiving multiple offers from the Colombian national team.
Born in Colombia, Julián Quiñones chose to play for the Mexican national team primarily due to his deep roots in and gratitude toward the country where he has built both his professional career and his personal life.
Quiñones arrived in Mexico as a young man, established himself as a footballer in Liga MX, started a family, and became a naturalized Mexican citizen.
He himself notes that he owes everything he is—both as a person and as a professional—to Mexico, and for this reason, he feels a love and gratitude that are truly unmatched.
