Keen to get Mora: Top clubs eye teen star

Mexico's teenage playmaker Gilberto Mora has lit up the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, as he basks in the limelight afforded by the absence of Barcelona and Real Madrid stars Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono.

"I don't know if I'm the biggest star, and I'm not really interested in that. I think you can always give more," 16-year-old Mora told reporters before Mexico's 4-1 win against host nation Chile in the last 16 on Tuesday, in which he provided the assist for the opening goal.

Next on Mora's schedule is a quarterfinal clash against Argentina on Sunday, but after that, Mora has his eye fixed firmly on making a move to Europe.

Mexican players have traditionally struggled to thrive in Europe, and the ambitious Mora revealed the important thing for him is "to succeed there, not just to get there".

The precocious Club Tijuana talent netted three goals in three pool matches at the Under-20 World Cup, as Mexico progressed unbeaten from a Group C featuring heavyweights Brazil, Spain and Morocco.

Although one of the youngest players at the tournament, Mora has set himself on course to win both the golden boot and the golden ball for the competition's best player, thanks not only to his goals, but also to his quick feet and vision.

In doing so, he would follow in the footsteps of one of his idols, Lionel Messi, the Argentinian great who won both awards at the 2005 edition of the competition.

'Feet on the ground'

Born Oct 14, 2008, Mora is the son of former footballer Gilberto Mora Olayo, who had a modest career in the Mexican domestic leagues.

His prodigious offspring, however, has set tongues wagging around the world already.

In his fledgling career, Mora has already broken several records in Mexican soccer, including being the youngest player to play for Tijuana (aged 15 years, 10 months and five days on his debut in August 2024) and the youngest to score in the Mexican top flight, when he netted the winner against Club Leon 12 days after his debut.

He also became the youngest player to make his debut with the senior Mexico national side, when he pulled on El Tri's shirt in the quarterfinals of its victorious 2025 Gold Cup campaign at just 16 years, eight months and 15 days old.

"I'm very happy with what I've achieved, but I don't focus too much on records," Mora said.

The versatile youngster can play as a second striker, an attacking midfielder or a playmaker, and despite his diminutive frame — he is 1.68m tall and weighs 62 kg — bosses games thanks to his remarkable dribbling and passing ability.

These attributes have caught the attention of European giants such as Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, and Mora has been signed by powerful international agent Rafaela Pimenta.

"They're talking about him a little bit everywhere," Pimenta told Spanish channel La Sexta in August.

Nonetheless, Mora has shown no signs the noise will go to his young head.

He is known for his dedication to soccer and his studies, even taking private English lessons, and for having a close circle of confidants who shield him.

He said coaches had told him: "Never stop being you on the pitch and always keep your feet on the ground."

He avoids looking at social media "too much" and focuses on the support of his family, "who are always there to tell me what's right and what's wrong".

"The education this boy has received at home, both personal and professional, is exemplary," Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico's senior team, said.

"I don't believe, under any circumstances, that this boy will succumb to the pressure."

"I think mentality is very important to be a top player," Mora explained, adding the key is "humility" and working hard, "despite the bad days".

Indeed, should all go to plan, it is likely he will complete a remarkable treble of World Cup appearances over the coming 12 months.

After the Under-20 competition, which he believes Mexico can win, Mora could take part in the global Under-17 showpiece next month in Qatar, and then potentially make history as part of Aguirre's senior squad when Mexico co-hosts the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

"I dream of winning a World Cup with the national team, and I'd also like to win a (UEFA) Champions League," the teenager said.

AFP