Gilberto Mora: Barcelona enters the fray for Mexico's new 'pearl'
Published New:9/10/2025 - 19:02h
Updated New:9/10/2025 - 19:02h
Barça has the new 'pearl' of Mexican football, Gilberto Mora, on its radar. The 16-year-old forward has 3 goals and 2 assists in the U-20 World Cup and has already made his debut with the 'Tri' first team
Gilberto Mora is the sensation of Mexican soccer. At just 16 years old, the forward already has 5 goals and 1 assist in 11 games with his club, Tijuana, and is also the main figure for his national team in the U-20 World Cup currently being held in Chile. FC Barcelona, along with other European giants, are rumored as possible destinations for the youngster when he turns 18 in 2026.
The player from Tuxtla Gutiérrez scored a brace against Spain in the group stage of the World Cup (2-2) and has already debuted with the senior team led by Javier Aguirre, lifting the Gold Cup last summer in the United States.
In that sense, talent and meteoric projection have not gone unnoticed by a Barça that would be very interested in signing him. So far, he has participated in 5 goals in the U-20 World Cup (3 goals, 2 assists).
The Price Barça Should Pay for Gilberto Mora
The latest reports point to the Azulgrana team, along with Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Arsenal, as the main candidates to sign the Mexican youth player. Mora is already valued at around 4.5 million euros on 'Transfermarkt' before turning 17 (next October 14), and his transfer could easily be around 25-30 'kilos'.
Recently, his representative, Rafaela Pimienta, joked about the forward's value when questioned about his release clause. In Mexico, various media outlets claim that Tijuana would ask for around 15 million dollars (about €13M), to which Pimienta responded: "with that you can't even buy one of Gilberto's legs."
The youth player has a signed contract until the summer of 2026, but his club is confident of soon closing his renewal to, at the same time, define a release price that satisfies all parties.
For Barça, the negotiation with Rafaela Pimienta would not be a problem, since Joan Laporta maintains a very good relationship with the person who became the heir of the Italian Mino Raiola, who died in 2022.
Is Gilberto Mora an Ideal Player for Barcelona?
Due to his physical characteristics and playing style, Gilberto Mora would have no problem adapting to the football played by FC Barcelona. He is a fast footballer with good ball control and an ability to detect spaces who, despite being 1.68 meters tall, stands out for his dribbling and ability to get past defenders.
Mora can attack without problems on either side or play loose through the center, as a 'false 9', although he works much better as a left winger. That has been the position he has been occupying with Mexico in the World Cup in Chile, where 'El Tri' will face Argentina this Saturday for a pass to the semi-finals.
Against Spain, he showcased his offensive repertoire by scoring two goals, one by outrunning La Roja's defense to finish with class against the opposing goalkeeper, and another by one-timing a cross from the wing.
Barça still need to finalize the signing of a left winger, a position that Marcus Rashford has reinforced this summer. The Englishman could definitively stay in Catalonia next summer if the *culés* decide to execute the purchase option for 40 million that his loan includes.
This decision could close the door on the new Mexican 'pearl,' who will certainly make the leap to Europe next summer, after the World Cup where his national team is co-hosting. Javier Aguirre will probably reserve a place for him in his squad.
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