Expectations are sky high for Gilberto Mora. “You can put this kid with the Champions League champions tomorrow and he’d play,” remarked Rafaela Pimenta, the 17-year-old’s agent.
The precocious forward has risen to prominence at the Under-20 FIFA World Cup, managing three goals and two assists for Mexico at the tournament prior to their quarterfinal exit. Club Tijuana, his club side in his homeland, are already well aware of his promise, witnessing their wonderkid fire in five goals from 11 appearances this season.
Mora is considered a generational talent in Mexico having already become the youngest player to be capped by the senior side. As is always the case with the brightest emerging prospects, Europe’s behemoths are tracking him closely.
Mora, who started Mexico’s Gold Cup final win over the United States last summer, will undoubtedly continue to garner buzz as he develops, but a blockbuster switch to one of the world’s elite sides could already be close.
