The Águilas attacker earned a call-up from Jaime Lozano for the Mexican national team, and this piece looks back at his career path.
Born in Colombia and naturalized Mexican, Julián Quiñones (26) stands among the most highly regarded forwards in Mexican football today.
Known as La Pantera, he was ultimately included by Jaime Lozano in the training group ahead of friendlies against the United States and their matches with Australia and Uzbekistan.
Quiñones will train with the group for four days under Jimmy Lozano but will not join the squad traveling to the United States for the FIFA Date fixtures in September. Documentation holds the final steps to confirm Julián’s eligibility for the national team.
Together with Santiago Giménez, the former Nariño resident is one of Mexico’s biggest bets on the road to the 2026 World Cup. But why did he naturalize, where did he come from, and why has his call-up sparked controversy? Here is what GOAL outlines:
CAREER BEGINNINGS AND BREAKTHROUGHS
Julián Quiñones grew up in Colombia and began his football journey with Club Peace FC at 17, a stepping stone for young talents. His athleticism quickly drew interest from scouts belonging to major South American clubs. The Tigers, however, would eventually bring him to Mexico as a young professional.
After joining, Quiñones spent time on loan with Venados de Mérida in Ascenso MX and Lobos BUAP in the top division to continue his development. He then returned to Monterrey’s region to join Tigres, a powerhouse in Mexican football in recent years. There, he faced competition from established attackers like Gignac, Vargas, and Valencia, which limited his chances for a regular starting role and left him mostly on the bench.
ATLAS AND TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS
Three years of growth in San Nicolás de los Garza led to a 2021 transfer to Atlas, a club on the rise in the Liga MX. There, Quiñones truly showcased his talent, helping the club win the Apertura 2021 Final against León and ending Atlas’s 70-year title drought. In the following season, he formed a dangerous partnership with Julio Furch, contributing to back-to-back championships after defeating Pachuca in the Clausura 2022 final.
His performances gradually drew attention from bigger clubs in Mexico, including América and Monterrey, as he built a reputation as a versatile and dynamic forward.
NATURALIZATION PROCESS
While at Atlas, Julián began the naturalization process. In 2022 he completed the required steps with the Secretariat of Foreign Relations, formalizing his status as a Mexican national.
CONTROVERSIES
Earlier in his career in Mexico, there were occasional disciplinary incidents, including moments when he arrived at training with alcohol on his breath while with Lobos BUAP. Later, tensions with Tigres over his conduct factored into a transfer decision. At Atlas, a social media post mocking a local rival sparked controversy days before the Clásico Tapatío. More recently, a heated moment with a rival player during a match in 2023 drew public scrutiny.
AMÉRICA AND THE PRESENT
After delivering high-level performances with Atlas, Quiñones transferred to the Águilas del América for a sum around eight million dollars. He posted solid numbers in his first season, recording five goals and several assists across league play and cup competitions, highlighting his contribution alongside teammates in a forward line built to compete at the highest level.
Quiñones’s journey reflects a blend of talent, perseverance, and professional growth that has positioned him as a notable figure in Mexican football today.