Who is Gilberto Mora? The youngest World Cup knockout starter since Pele

Mexico have a superstar on their hands with 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who started against England in the World Cup round of 16.

Earlier this week, Mora became the second youngest player to start a knockout game at the World Cup since 1958, when a young Pele scored in each of Brazil’s three knockout games.

He did pip Pele in a different category, though. Winning the Gold Cup with Mexico last summer at just 16 made him the youngest player ever to win a trophy with the national team.

Mora’s story is just beginning, but here’s what we know so far about the wonderkid midfielder.

Gilberto Mora’s club career so far

Mora plays with Club Tijuana in Liga MX. He made 54 appearances this past season, scoring ten goals and laying on two assists. Pretty impressive for a teenager.

He was just 15 when he made his senior debut — just 12 days later, he became the youngest goalscorer in league history.

As an attacking midfielder, Mora can comfortably compete with much older players, not relying on physicality, but rather on elite technical ability.

The physical attributes will come, but he doesn’t seem to need them.

Where will Mora go next?

As is often the case with the best young talents, Mora’s dream is to play for Real Madrid.

Ignacio Ruvalcaba , the head of the Xolos de Tijuana youth academy, told ESPN: “Gil Mora has a dream, which is to play for Real Madrid, but he’s very grounded. He always watches soccer and loves watching Real Madrid; he surely sees himself playing there.

“I think he has a very grounded family; his father has handled it very well, and hopefully we’ll see him succeeding there. He does see himself playing there in the future; he loves watching European soccer, and I think he has the quality to play in those leagues.”

Those quotes are from before the start of the World Cup. After a stellar breakout campaign, he will be on the top of many a transfer shortlist in Europe’s top leagues. Liverpool and Arsenal have already been linked as potential suitors.

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