DEARBORN, United States — Julián Quiñones made his debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and became one of the most valuable players for the Mexico team. Quiñones grew up in Magüí Payán, a town in Nariño, Colombia, marked by poverty, violence and guerrilla activity. He moved to Mexico at 18 to join Tigres UANL’s youth academy, using fútbol as an escape. With his fame, fortune and talents, Quiñones became president of the Banning Pass Little League. This nonprofit organization allows him to work with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for youth sports facilities, specifically for youth in need or in impoverished areas. This piece will focus on areas in Colombia and Mexico regarding Quiñones’ upbringing and his work with his organization.
Quiñones’ Background
Growing up, Quiñones was surrounded by criminal groups, poverty and violence. His talent and athleticism gave him the opportunity to move to Mexico to play for a local team, providing an escape from poverty for him and his family. His background influenced his decision on which national team to represent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He ultimately declined an offer from the Colombian Football Federation and completed Mexican naturalization in 2023. It led him to become an advocate for organizations such as Fundación Freedom. These organizations combat and raise awareness for human trafficking and immigration. By supporting these foundations, Quiñones combats poverty by helping similar individuals find a chance for a safe and stable home.
Creating a Better Future Through Sports
Quiñones has a strong relationship with Fútbol Paz for all it has done for him. Fútbol Paz was created for at-risk youth to have a chance to play fútbol while providing them and their families economic opportunities. Quiñones is also president of the Banning Pass Little League, a nonprofit organization that is volunteer-driven and provides baseball and softball training to children ages 4 to 16 who cannot afford it or are considered at-risk youth. There are currently over 400 children involved with the program. Quiñones has collaborated with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians as a way to gain funding and donations for youth sports facilities and programs.
The tribe has donated more than $435,000 to the Banning Pass Little League over the past three years, funding new bleachers, a scoreboard, equipment and improvements to the dugouts and fields at Lions Park. This allows for the players and their families to be safer and more comfortable. It also draws more attention to the league, giving opportunities to children who cannot afford private clubs. Overall, Quiñones combats poverty by providing equipment, support and mentorship to fútbol academies that work with underprivileged youth, specifically in his hometown in Colombia. Quiñones uses his childhood experiences as motivation to combat poverty through sports for children like him.
Conclusion
Quiñones scored the opening goal of Mexico’s 2026 World Cup campaign, becoming the first Colombian-born player to score a World Cup goal for another country. But his impressive statistics do not stop or start with fútbol. Colombia is already an impoverished country. Magüí Payán, where Quiñones is from, faces extreme poverty due to its growing conflict. Around 75% of households in the community lack basic sanitation services and even safe access to water. Growing up in Magüí Payán, Colombia, Quiñones was surrounded by poverty, drugs, violence and guerrilla activities since childhood. Moving to Mexico as a teenager allowed him to escape that life and help his family have a comfortable life in Mexico too.
Mexico is a country that faces poverty as well, with an almost 30% poverty rate and extreme poverty affecting 5.3% of the population. Compared to Colombia, it has a greater economic output and overall wealth. Mexico’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is around $1.83 trillion, while Colombia’s GDP is about $457 billion. Regardless, fútbol helped Quiñones become who he is — a player who breaks records on each team he joins. It is because of his opportunity that he helps those who face a similar situation. Quiñones combats poverty by using his background and platform to support organizations that empower youth with sports. He is also a voice for immigrants, especially in vulnerable communities.
– Veronica Cham
Veronica is based in Dearborn, MI, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr