Gilberto Mora was one of the best young players at this year's World Cup — but there's plenty of debate over whether the 17-year-old is ready for a move to Europe
13:17, 28 Jul 2026
Gilberto Mora impressed at the World Cup
Gilberto Mora impressed at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Former Premier League star Jared Borgetti believes Gilberto Mora is "ready to grab" the chance to play for one of Europe's top clubs.
Borgetti's comments come after Mora's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, revealed her plans for the Mexican wonderkid. It's believed that Liverpool is interested in the 17-year-old midfielder, who recently impressed for his country during the World Cup on home soil.
Mora started Mexico's round of 32 victory over Ecuador, becoming the second-youngest player to feature in a World Cup knockout clash after Brazilian icon Pele, who set the record in 1958 at 17 years and 239 days. Mora was 20 days older when he faced Ecuador.
Mora's achievements don't stop there. He's the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Mexican top-flight, finding the net aged just 15 years and 320 days old.
He also became the youngest winner of a major international trophy last year after helping Mexico beat the United States in the final of the Gold Cup. The Liverpool-linked star already has 12 senior caps for Mexico and will surely win many more in the future.
Yet there's still plenty of debate over whether he's ready for a big-money move to Europe. Borgetti, who won 89 senior caps for Mexico and played in the Premier League with Bolton, believes Mora is capable of making the switch sooner rather than later.
Mora was the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup
Mora was the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
"A lot of clubs are looking at Gilberto Mora, and it’s not a surprise, Borgetti told 10bet. "Having the biggest clubs in England looking at you, that will give him a boost, but the motivation for him to do well is already there.
"Mora has shown he has the quality and the ability that, regardless of his age, height, or weight, he possesses the intelligence to overcome any adversity.
"Obviously, given his youth, he still has a lot of growing and learning to do, but with the quality he has in his feet, and above all, in his head, to get things right, I am certain he could succeed in any league he sets his sights on.
"Hopefully, opportunities will come his way, and Mora can make the most of them to become a great player for Mexico. He’s ready to grab any opportunity that comes his way.
"He has the talent and the mental strength to (be a) success in the Premier League, even for one so young."
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Pimenta was asked about a potential summer transfer for Mora earlier this month. She said: "We're in no rush, but he's developing quickly. We need to study the ideal place for him to develop. At this age, you can't be the best on your team.
"If you're the best, you have to move to a higher-level team. At this age, you shouldn't be the leader; you have to be the kid who looks at the others and says, 'I have to be like them.' I'm going to do everything I can to sell Gilberto for a high price."
Pimenta added: "It's not right to put the weight of Mexico on his shoulders. It's not that he doesn't want the responsibility, but there's no need to place that kind of burden on Gil. We have to let him grow one step at a time."