Julián Quiñones is a Mexican professional football forward who transitioned from Colombian youth academies to national team prominence. He is best known for securing multiple Liga MX titles with clubs like Tigres UANL, Atlas, and América. In 2024, he completed a high-profile transfer to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah.
Julián Quiñones secured a $16 million transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah in June 2024, a milestone that followed a prolific stint in Mexican football. Born in Magüí Payán on 24 March 1997, the forward has navigated a career path from Colombian youth academies to becoming a focal point for the Mexico national team on the global stage.
Early Career and Mexican Development
Quiñones began his professional journey at the Futbol Paz academy in Cali, Colombia. His performance during the 2014–15 season, where he recorded 50 goals across 38 matches, facilitated his move to the Tigres UANL under-20 squad. In 2016, he debuted professionally for Venados on loan before gaining top-flight experience with Lobos BUAP. During the Apertura 2017 and Clausura 2018 tournaments, he established himself as a significant offensive threat, scoring 17 goals combined.
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After returning to Tigres UANL, Quiñones contributed to league titles in the Apertura 2016 and Clausura 2019, as well as the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. In June 2021, he joined Atlas on loan, a deal that became permanent six months later. His tenure there proved historic as he helped the club capture back-to-back Liga MX titles, ending a 70-year championship drought. He later moved to América in July 2023, where he secured two additional league titles and another Campeón de Campeones trophy.
International Transition
Though he represented Colombia at the 2017 South American U-20 Championship and the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, Quiñones eventually pursued a career with Mexico. He completed his naturalization process in October 2023 and debuted for the national team on 17 November 2023 against Honduras. By 2026, he played a central role in the FIFA World Cup hosted in Mexico, scoring four goals to equal the tournament record held by Luis Hernández and Javier Hernández.
Professional Impact in Saudi Arabia
At Al-Qadsiah, Quiñones continued his scoring momentum, finishing the 2024–25 season with 20 goals. His 2025–26 campaign proved even more effective, as he scored 33 goals to claim the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, surpassing Ivan Toney on the final day. Following a hat-trick against Al-Ittihad in May 2026, he signed a contract extension through 2029. In September 2026, he was named among the top thirty nominees for the Ballon d'Or.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 March 1997, Magüí Payán, Colombia
- Citizenship: Mexico, Colombia
- Primary Position: Forward
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Goals: 4
- Saudi Pro League Golden Boot: 2025–26
- Spouse: Ana Gabriela Amato
- Daughter: Alanna, born 26 December 2023
Questions readers ask
Did Julián Quiñones play for the Colombia national team?
He represented Colombia in youth competitions, including the 2017 South American U-20 Championship and the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, but never played for the senior side.
How many Liga MX titles has he won?
He has won six Liga MX league titles in total during his time with Tigres UANL, Atlas, and América.
