If you’ve been following Liga MX lately, you might have noticed a new face—or a very tall one, at least—hanging around the goalposts in Tijuana. Jorge Salim Hernández Soriano isn’t exactly a "rookie" in the traditional sense, but honestly, he's one of those players who spent years grinding in the shadows before anyone really stopped to look.
Standing at a massive 1.91 meters (that’s about 6'3" for those who don't do metric), he’s a presence. But height isn't everything in Mexican football. Just ask any keeper who's had to face a rainy night in Querétaro or a high-pressure match at the Estadio Caliente. It's about nerves. It's about waiting for a chance that might never come.
Who Exactly is Jorge Salim Hernández Soriano?
Born in Guadalajara back in December 1998, Salim—as he’s usually called on the back of his jersey—is a product of the Leones Negros academy. If you know anything about the U de G system, you know they produce tough, technically sound players. He spent nearly a decade there.
Imagine that. Ten years.
He climbed every rung of the ladder, from the Sub-17s to the second division, just waiting for a crack at the top flight. He finally got a taste of the big leagues during a Copa MX match against Pumas in 2019. It wasn't a fairy tale start (they lost 2-1), but it was the moment he became a professional.
The Querétaro Breakthrough
Most fans didn't really start googling "Jorge Salim Hernández Soriano" until his stint at Querétaro. During the Clausura 2025 season, things finally clicked. He managed to snag the starting spot for nine games.
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For a backup keeper, nine games is an eternity.
He recorded six saves in a gritty draw against León and helped the team secure a 2-1 win over Santos. People started realizing that he wasn't just a tall body in the box; he had legitimate reflexes. He’s right-footed, surprisingly mobile for his frame, and has this calm demeanor that keeps a backline from panicking when things get messy.
The Big Move to Club Tijuana (Xolos)
In July 2025, the news dropped that Salim was heading to the border. Club Tijuana signed him to bolster their goalkeeping roster, a move that felt like a "now or never" moment for his career.
He’s currently wearing the number 29.
Transitioning to Xolos isn't easy. The artificial turf at the Estadio Caliente changes how the ball bounces, which is a nightmare for keepers who rely on muscle memory. He made his debut for the club in August 2025 during a Leagues Cup clash against Seattle. Again, a 2-1 loss. It seems to be a recurring theme in his debut matches, but the scouts aren't looking at the final score as much as his positioning.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Him
You'll hear people say he's "just a backup." That's a bit of a lazy take.
In Liga MX, the gap between a second-choice and a first-choice keeper is often just one injury or one bad run of form. Jorge Salim Hernández Soriano has spent the last year proving he can handle the "starter" pressure.
- Height: 1.91m (gives him a massive wingspan).
- Weight: Around 82kg (lean, but strong enough to hold his ground in a crowded box).
- Agility: Despite his height, his "downward" saves—the ones where he has to collapse to the grass—are actually quite sharp.
Why He Matters for the 2025-2026 Season
Tijuana is in a bit of a rebuilding phase. They need reliable hands. With veterans like José Antonio Rodríguez in the mix, Salim is in a "learning but ready" role.
In September 2025, he featured in the first-ever Baja Cup exhibition against San Diego FC. It was a historic moment for football in the region, and even though San Diego’s Manu Duah managed to get one past him, Salim’s performance was noted for its vocal leadership. He’s started talking more. He’s organizing the defense. That’s the sign of a keeper who’s finally feeling like he belongs in the Primera División.
The Reality of His Career Path
Let’s be real. Salim isn’t 19 anymore. At 27, he’s entering what many consider the "prime" years for a goalkeeper. Keepers usually peak later than strikers because so much of the job is mental—anticipating the cross, reading the striker’s hips, knowing when to come off the line.
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He’s had setbacks. An "unknown issue" kept him out of a match against Juárez in early 2025, and he’s had to sit on the bench for long stretches. But the consistency he showed at Querétaro changed the narrative. He’s no longer just a "prospect." He’s a proven Liga MX-level goalkeeper.
What’s Next for Salim?
If you’re looking to track his progress, keep an eye on the Tijuana matchday squads for the rest of the 2025-2026 season. His contract runs until June 2026, which means this year is effectively a season-long audition.
To really understand his value, don't just look at the clean sheets. Look at how many "second-chance" opportunities he prevents by catching the ball rather than punching it. That’s where he excels.
Actionable Insights for Following His Career:
- Watch the Leagues Cup: Salim often gets the nod in tournament play, which is where he can showcase his shot-stopping outside of the regular Liga MX grind.
- Monitor the Xolos Injury Report: If the starting keeper goes down, Salim is the immediate "next man up," and his market value usually spikes after three consecutive starts.
- Check the "Saves per Match" Stats: Sites like FBref or Transfermarkt track his efficiency. For Salim, a high save percentage in low-minute seasons is what usually attracts bigger clubs looking for a reliable number one.
He might not be a household name in Mexico City yet, but Jorge Salim Hernández Soriano is proving that the long road through the second division can actually lead somewhere.