Julián Quiñones has become one of the most talked-about names in world football after scoring the opening goal of the 2026 World Cup for Mexico against South Africa. The Colombian-born forward, who became a naturalized Mexican citizen in October 2023, now plays for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. While his performances on the pitch have captivated fans, there is growing curiosity about the man behind the goals — specifically, his family life, his wife, and his children.
Away from the stadiums and the roaring crowds, Quiñones is a devoted family man. His personal life has been shaped by love, new beginnings, and the challenges of balancing a high-profile football career with fatherhood. This article takes a closer look at the people closest to him: his wife, his children, and the family that supports him through every triumph and trial.
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The Woman Behind the Star: Ana Gabriela Quiñones Amato
Julián Quiñones is married to Ana Gabriela Quiñones Amato, a Mexican communications graduate, model, and social media influencer. Ana Gabriela describes herself as a fitness enthusiast and photography lover, and she shares content related to lifestyle, travel, and physical activity on her Instagram account, where she has amassed nearly 200,000 followers. Despite her growing public profile, she keeps her Instagram account private, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding her.
The couple’s love story began in 2022, when Quiñones was playing for Atlas in Guadalajara during one of the best periods of his career. After several months of dating, the footballer proposed during a private dinner in November 2022. Just one month later, in December 2022, they tied the knot in a civil ceremony. The following year, in 2023, they celebrated their religious wedding surrounded by close family and friends.
Since then, the couple has been happily married, and Ana Gabriela has been a constant presence at Quiñones’ side through major career milestones — from his move to Club América, to his naturalization as a Mexican citizen, to his current stint in Saudi Arabia.
A Blended Family: Children and Fatherhood
Julián Quiñones is a proud father. The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Alanna (also spelled Alana), on December 26, 2023. Alanna was born during Quiñones’ time at Club América. The footballer often celebrates his goals by forming an “A” with his hands — a gesture he dedicates to his wife Ana Gabriela and his daughter Alanna. He frequently shares photos of his daughter on social media, showing how proud he is of the little girl.
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In addition to Alanna, Quiñones is also a stepfather. Ana Gabriela has a son from a previous relationship, making the couple a blended family of four. The family has been photographed enjoying trips together to destinations like Japan, Las Vegas, Paris, and various beaches. Ana Gabriela is often seen accompanying her husband at matches, celebrating victories with him on the field.
However, family life has not been without its challenges. Due to the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East, Quiñones made the difficult decision to send his wife and daughter out of Saudi Arabia for their safety. He currently lives alone in the country while his family stays elsewhere, waiting for the situation to stabilize so they can be reunited in Khobar, where his club is based. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted, “I was scared because my family was with me. It’s a fear of not knowing… now I had to take my family out, I’m alone there”.
Julián Quiñones’ journey — from growing up without knowing his father, raised by his mother Gloria and grandmother in Colombia, to becoming a World Cup star with a loving family of his own — is a testament to resilience and the power of family. Whether celebrating a goal with a heartfelt gesture or making sacrifices to protect his loved ones, Quiñones shows that for him, family always comes first.
