The Mexican forward has announced himself on the global stage with three goals already to his name at this World Cup.

If you had heard the name Julian Quinones a month ago, you deserve a round of applause.

Often, the World Cup becomes a showcase for well-known stars already familiar to fans worldwide. Brazil, for instance, have forwards representing Bournemouth and Brentford.

Yet occasionally, the tournament revives that old sense of mystery — and unless you have been following Mexican or Saudi football closely in recent years, Quinones may well have slipped under your radar.

Born and brought up in Colombia, Quinones caught attention as a prolific youngster playing for Paz, which led to a move to Mexican giants Tigres.

However, the attacker initially struggled to secure a regular place in the first team, despite an impressive loan spell with Liga MX rivals BUAP at the age of 20, where he netted 17 goals in 28 league matches.

Quinones truly made his mark after joining Atlas on a permanent deal in 2021. There, he played a key role in helping the club secure the 2021 Apertura, the 2022 Clausura, and the Campeon de Campeones title in 2022.

His performances during the 2021/22 season earned him a string of individual awards, including a place in the Liga MX All-Star Team and recognition as the league’s best attacking midfielder.

That success paved the way for another move within Mexico, this time to Club América, where he again proved decisive in delivering silverware — replicating his achievements at Atlas and taking his career trophy tally to six.

By then, Quinones had lived in Mexico long enough to obtain Mexican citizenship, which paved the way for his international debut in 2023.

In the summer of 2024, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah secured his services for a reported transfer fee of $16 million (£12 million).

Last season, Quinones was in unstoppable form in front of goal, averaging more than a goal per game — scoring 33 times in 31 league appearances.

That tally saw the 29-year-old finish as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, claiming the Golden Boot ahead of Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo, with three hat-tricks across the season highlighting his clinical edge.

So it came as no shock to those familiar with his exploits when Quinones struck the opening goal of the tournament, helping Mexico to a 2-0 win over South Africa.

He has since added another in the group stage against the Czech Republic, followed by the opener in Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32.

Now, Quinones has England squarely in his sights.