Mexico's Gilberto Mora confirms 'contact' amid Barcelona, Real Madrid interest

Tom Weber

• 8 Nov 2025 13:01 CST
• 3 min read

News

Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora has confirmed that 'several clubs' have made contact with him ahead of an expected move to Europe.

The 17-year-old is regarded as the great hope of Mexican football, having initially burst onto the scene at 15 years of age. Mora has to date made 44 first-team appearances for boyhood club Tijuana.

In those 44 appearances, the young attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and provided a couple of assists. His precocious talent has also earned him three senior appearances for Mexico, despite only turning 17 last month.

Ever since he emerged a couple of years ago, Mora has been linked with a move to various European giants. However, as he does not hold a European passport, he will not be able to move across the pond until he turns 18 next October.

Nevertheless, the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid are being heavily associated with the attacker, who is expected to cost around €26 million due to a release clause in his Tijuana contract.

Mora confirms contact with clubs

Speaking to ESPN, Mora has now confirmed that 'several clubs' have made contact with him to snap him up when he becomes eligible to move to Europe.

"I've managed to get several clubs to contact me," he revealed. "I don't know, but I try to focus on my football, on the pitch, which is the most important thing, and [a transfer] will happen by itself."

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre certainly believes that the youngster needs to take the next step in Europe. In an interview with TUDN last month, the veteran coach insisted that even a difficult experience in Europe is more beneficial than being 'pampered' back home.

“Take him properly to a team in Europe where he can play, above all," he said. "Because the truth is: you have to play, not just be there. I remember [Carlos] Vela and Giovani [dos Santos].

"They weren’t playing, and people questioned me for calling them up, but training there, facing adversity, teaches you more than being pampered at home.

“We have to push him into a different environment, into a league where he can play in a continental tournament. Conference League, Europa League, or Champions League."

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