Gilberto Mora: The 16-Year-Old Wonderkid Revolutionising Mexican Football

A Rising Star in Mexican Football

Gilberto Rafael Mora Zambrano, a 16-year-old Mexican professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Liga MX club Tijuana and the Mexico national team, has already established himself as a record-breaker, holding the distinctions of being the youngest player to score in Liga MX, the youngest to debut for Mexico, and the youngest player to win a senior international trophy.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Mora’s meteoric rise began with his Liga MX debut against Santos Laguna in August 2024, where he made an immediate impact by providing an assist in Tijuana’s 3-1 victory. At just 15 years and ten days old, he became Tijuana’s youngest-ever debutant and the third-youngest player to debut in Liga MX. His first goal came shortly after, making him the youngest scorer in Mexican top-flight history at 15 years and 320 days old.

International Success

His success at the club level led to his inclusion in Mexico’s Gold Cup squad, where he made three appearances in the knockout rounds and provided a crucial assist in the semi-final victory over Honduras. Playing in a deeper midfield role in Mexico’s 4-3-3 formation, Mora cemented his legacy by becoming the youngest player to lift an international trophy as Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 in the final.

Future Prospects

The teenager’s remarkable performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with his agent Rafaela Pimenta recently confirming that top European clubs are monitoring him closely. According to Liga MX analyst Tom Harrison, who previously served as Santos Laguna’s head of analytics, Mora is without doubt the best prospect in Mexican soccer, with the potential to become “a Champions League-level player in the future.”

Currently, Mexico is taking a careful approach with Mora’s development. Instead of participating in senior team friendlies against Japan and South Korea, the young talent is training with the youth squad in preparation for the Under-20 World Cup. Despite his young age, Mora is expected to take on a vital leadership role in the tournament, showcasing his remarkable maturity and talent.