Interview: Quinones on Ronaldo race, jewel Al Juwayr & Mexico World Cup hope
Interview: Quinones on Ronaldo race, jewel Al Juwayr & Mexico World Cup hope When Julian Quinones signed for Al Qadsiah ahead of their return to the Roshn Saudi League last season, it was a move of many firsts. It was the first time the Colombian-born Mexican international would play professionally outside of his adopted nation. In the process, he also became a Mexican trailblazer, the first from his homeland to sign for a club in the Saudi Arabian top flight.
And now he stands on the verge of even more history. For, with five full rounds of the 2025-26 season remaining, Quinones is aiming to become, not only the first Mexican to clinch the RSL golden boot, but the first from Al Qadsiah to take home the coveted individual award. To call the move from Club America in June 2024 successful would be an understatement; settling immediately into the RSL - he scored twice on debut - Quinones has racked up a hugely impressive 46 goals in 54 appearances.
This season, only Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney has scored more goals (27) than the Al Qadsiah sharp-shooter’s 26 . However, as much as that golden boot matters, the 29-year-old would trade it in a heartbeat for team silverware, which unfortunately looks like it will elude Al Qadsiah this season. “I honestly feel very good and calm, because on the pitch I have teammates who create a lot of chances for me,” Quinones says as he sits down with the Saudi Pro League to chat about a wide range of topics.
“For a striker, it’s very important to score goals, but for me the most important thing is what we do collectively on the field. All of this is thanks to the team and the coaching staff. “My motivation comes from my teammates - that’s the main thing.
If I were only motivated by becoming the top scorer, it wouldn’t work as a team. The team always comes first, and then the results follow. ” Signed, in most people’s eyes, to play as a secondary striker alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Al Qadsiah’s headline recruit last season - it wasn’t long before Quinones took centre stage.
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