Gilberto Mora was a name on the lips of a lot of wannabe football experts before the World Cup started.
The Mexico teenager, who England will have to contain on Monday morning in the Azteca, was on the first page of every tournament team-by-team guide in magazines, websites and newspapers – party because the co-hosts were in Group A. But unlike some starlets tipped for greatness at this and previous editions of the greatest event in sport, Mora has lived up to – and probably outlived – the hype.
Playing for Liga MX club Tijuana, Mora may only be 17 – the youngest player at the World Cup – but he is already carrying the hopes of a nation.
Indeed, when he was born in October 2008, fellow squad member at this World Cup Guillermo Ochoa had already made 16 caps for the national team. But age, in both players’ cases, is just a number – and this lad is special.
There is a long list of elite clubs in England and across Europe keeping tabs on his situation ahead of what could be an international scramble for his signature. Here is why…
Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, 17, is the youngest player at the World Cup and has forced his way into his country’s starting line-up
Mora is already carrying the hopes of a nation despite his tender age
What’s the fuss about?
A creative midfielder for Club Tijuana, Mora was still only 16 when he was named in Mexico’s starting XI for last year’s Gold Cup final.
‘I believe he can be a key figure for the national team and someone who inspires the next generation,’ said Wolves forward Raul Jimenez, his international team-mate.
Mora is already represented by Rafaela Pimenta, one of the game’s most prominent agents who also handles the affairs of Erling Haaland, former Liverpool manager Arne Slot and others.
‘I always say, if you are really a player, then you sleep with the ball,’ said Mora’s representative in a recent interview. ‘The ball is there, the ball is your best friend. That’s exactly how Gil was as a child, and it’s how he is now.’
Mora is the youngest player at this World Cup, the youngest to ever represent Mexico and was the second-youngest to start a knockout match. The player he was behind? Pele. It feels apt that Mora is stepping up in Estadio Azteca where the great Brazilian had some of his most famous nights.
Mora got his first start of the World Cup in the final group game against the Czech Republic but then kept his place for the Ecuador match in the round of 32. He started on the right of a midfield three but drifted and could cause Nico O’Reilly a few problems on Monday morning.
When Mexico hosted the World Cup in 1986, their hero was Hugo Sanchez, an outstanding forward for Real Madrid from 1985 to 1992. Mora has some way to go to reach Sanchez’s status but he certainly has the talent to do it. Mora also idolised Cristiano Ronaldo as a child which, allied to Sanchez’s history, makes a move to Real Madrid one day feel inevitable.
Perhaps showing a maturity beyond his years, Mora is said to have a special admiration for some cult heroes of the past including Jorge ‘El Magico’ Gonzalez, who was once a virtuoso player for El Salvador.
England’s left-back Nico O’Reilly will have to have his wits about him in the Azteca when he comes up against Mexico’s wonderkid
‘I believe he can be a key figure for the national team and someone who inspires the next generation,’ said Wolves forward Raul Jimenez, his international team-mate
Who does he compare to?
Tijuana coach Juan Carlos Osorio reckons the man they all call ‘Gil’ is like the great Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta.
‘He knows how to move with and without the ball, he reminds me of Iniesta,’ said Osorio recently. ‘We decided to play him as an inverted winger, so he could drift inside and show his talent. He touched the ball four or five times and I thought, “This kid is different”.’
A year ago, after Mora helped Mexico win the Concacaf Gold Cup, Tijuana president Jorge Alberto said: ‘Gil is only 16 and already he is competing with men at the highest level and making an impact for his country.
‘To see a player who grew up here, at our club, at Tijuana, go and perform like that – it’s special. It’s pride for me personally, pride for the club, and pride for the city.’
Who wants him?
The Tottenham-born rapper Avelino watched Mora play when doing a gig abroad and got straight on the phone to his friend Carlton Cole, the ex-England striker who is now loans and pathway manager at West Ham.
So it is fair to say the Hammers are on the tail of Mora but, with all due respect, they will not stand a chance.
All the usual suspects, from Real Madrid to both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool are aware of the player’s abilities. His contract is said to include a £20m release clause, according to Mexican media outlets.
Given what we have heard and seen about him, that seems like a bargain.
Mora takes on the Ecuador defence during his country’s 2-0 round of 32 victory in Mexico City
Mora is already the centre of attention around the Mexico camp
What else do we know about him?
Just before the World Cup, Mora was asked how he would celebrate if Mexico won the World Cup. ‘Yeah, with an ice cream,’ he replied. ‘Vanilla.’
Apparently he reads books on the way to matches to help him focus. Striker Santiago Gimenez said on Instagram recently: ‘I glanced over and saw Mora reading a book, that’s when I thought, “This guy is different”.’
After the Gold Cup win last summer, Mora did not even have his phone at the party so he could remain in the moment and not get lost in taking selfies and videos. Agent Pimenta went to the family home the next morning to speak to the family, but the player was missing. He was at his cousin’s house playing on the PlayStation.
It appears he takes success in his stride and arrogance is not a problem.
