Talents Calendar
The 2026 summer promises to be a thrilling football season for Mexico, as the nation co-hosts the upcoming FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and the United States. After being eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, El Tri is determined to make a significant impact. Following their victories in the Gold Cup and the Concacaf Nations League in 2025, the national team is brimming with confidence and talent. One of the brightest stars is Gilberto Mora, a 17-year-old who is already making waves in the squad.
At just 16, the talented playmaker, currently with Tijuana, made his national team debut, breaking Armando Manzo’s record as the youngest player ever to represent Mexico. Remarkably, he didn’t just step onto the field during a friendly; he started in the Gold Cup quarterfinals against Saudi Arabia (which Mexico won 2-0). His influence continued in the semifinals against Honduras, where he assisted Raúl Jiménez for the winning goal, solidifying his record as the youngest player in Mexico to be directly involved in a goal.
As the World Cup approaches, Mora is expected to play a crucial role for Mexico. With the weight of a nation’s expectations on his shoulders, the young star is no stranger to pressure. He made his Liga MX debut 18 months ago and has since played 45 matches for the first team, tallying eight goals and two assists. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest player to feature for Tijuana and the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history.
“Gilberto Mora is much more than just a promising young player in Liga MX,” said Osvaldo Camacho, Transfermarkt Area Manager Mexico. “At just 17, he already shoulders the creative responsibility of a first division team, facing pressure beyond the typical experiences of youth development. As a versatile attacking midfielder—capable of playing as a striker, winger, or central player—Mora represents the modern playmaker, possessing a low center of gravity that grants him agility in tight spaces. He consistently maintains a vision for his teammates and employs his dribbling skills and combination play to penetrate defensive lines.”
Gilberto Mora in High Demand
Mora’s rapid development is uncommon for a player of his age. He was valued at €3m at 16, briefly becoming the highest-valued player in his age category, and his current market value has climbed to €4m. Interest from European clubs is increasing, further driving his value. Mora has acknowledged the interest, stating, “Several top clubs have approached me. However, my focus remains on the pitch. Everything else will fall into place.”
Camacho believes a European transfer is merely a matter of time. “His profile aligns perfectly with the demands of top clubs. He is a creative midfielder who retains possession under pressure and always seeks to deliver decisive passes. Mora’s positional versatility, maturity in handling the ball, and finishing ability make him a highly promising long-term investment for clubs scouting talent in the Americas before prices soar.”
While the term “affordable” is relative, Tijuana has already set their asking price at around $30m (€26m) for part of his transfer rights. If his development continues on this trajectory, he could become the most expensive Mexican player in history, a record currently held by Hirving Lozano, who transferred to Napoli from PSV Eindhoven for €50m in 2019. A strong performance in the forthcoming World Cup, where all eyes will be on Mora, could further enhance his market value.
From December 1 to December 24, we will introduce new players born in 2008 and 2009 from various countries. Area managers, users, and data scouts will contribute their expertise throughout the series. You can follow all these players by adding them to your TM watchlist.
