Raúl Jiménez wears a headband because it is protective headgear after a serious skull injury he suffered in November 2020, and sources say he was told to keep wearing it for his career.

Quick Scoop

  • The headband is not a fashion choice; it helps protect the area of his prior skull fracture.
  • He needed emergency treatment and surgery after a clash of heads in a match for Wolverhampton against Arsenal.
  • Newer reports around the 2026 World Cup say the gear is custom-made and medically approved.

Why it matters

The injury was severe enough that it nearly ended his career and put his life at risk, so the headband became part of his regular match kit.

In plain terms

Think of it as long-term safety equipment: it covers and cushions the injured area so he can play with less risk.

It’s basically the football equivalent of wearing a helmet insert after a major injury — just designed to fit his game.

TL;DR: he wears it because of a life-threatening head injury in 2020, and it’s there to protect him while he plays.