Mexico’s teenage playmaker Gilberto Mora has lit up the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile as he basks in the limelight afforded by the absences 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 said before Mexico’s 4-1 win against host nation Chile in the round-of-16 on Tuesday, in which he provided the assist for the opening goal.
Next on Mora’s schedule is a quarter-final clash against Argentina this morning Taiwan time, but after that Mora has his eye fixed firmly on making a move to Europe.
Photo: Reuters
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 U-20 World Cup as Mexico progressed unbeaten from a Group C comprised of 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.
Photo: AFP
In doing so, he would follow in the footsteps of one of his idols, Lionel Messi, the Argentinian great who won both awards in the 2005 edition of the competition.
Born on Oct. 14, 2008, Mora is the son of former soccer player Gilberto Mora Olayo, who had a modest career in the Mexican domestic leagues.
However, his prodigious offspring has set tongues wagging around the world so far 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 in August last year) 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 team when he pulled on El Tri’s shirt in the quarter-finals of their victorious Gold Cup campaign this year 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 Mora can play as a second striker, attacking midfielder or playmaker, and despite his diminutive frame — he is 1.68m tall and weighs 62kg — commands matches 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 would 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 confidantes who shield him.
He said coaches had told him: “Never stop being me on the pitch and always keep my 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,” said Javier Aguirre, the coach of Mexico’s senior team. “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 said, adding that the key is “humility” and working hard “despite the bad days.”
Should all go to plan, it is likely he would complete a remarkable treble of World Cup appearances over the coming 12 months.
After the U-20 competition, which he believes Mexico can win, Mora could take part in the U-17 global showpiece next month in Qatar, and then potentially make history as part of Aguirre’s senior squad when Mexico cohost the 2026 World Cup alongside the US 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.
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