Barcelona and Real Madrid Eye Young Mexican Talent Gilberto Mora
On October 13, 2025, Moises Llorens and Rodra reported that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have shown interest in the promising Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora. Sources indicate that while both clubs are intrigued by Mora’s potential, it remains early to discuss a possible signing.
Barcelona has been monitoring the Tijuana star’s development for some time now, with an insider stating that Mora possesses “strong potential and really interesting characteristics.” However, the same insider pointed out that at just 16 years old, “Mora might need some more time to determine if he can thrive at a larger club.”
Real Madrid shares a similar perspective, with a source expressing that it is too soon to conclude whether Mora will evolve into a “top player” who could fit in at the prestigious Santiago Bernabéu.
Joao Amaral, an assistant to Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, attended the Under-20 World Cup in Chile to assess Mora and other talent. “We’ve received very promising reports regarding him,” the source added. “He is just starting to gain media attention, and there’s significant buzz around him. He’s a highly talented midfielder with great future prospects, though it’s premature to define his ultimate trajectory.”
Barcelona has not been taken aback by Mora’s success at the Under-20 World Cup. The young midfielder contributed three goals and two assists, helping Mexico reach the knockout stage before losing to Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid has also been impressed by Mora, with club sources agreeing he stands out as a top prospect from the 2008 generation. Mora, who will celebrate his 17th birthday soon, cannot officially transfer to a European club until he turns 18. Nevertheless, Madrid has a history of securing young talents.
The club previously signed Vinícius Júnior and Endrick while they were underage, subsequently loaning them to Flamengo and Palmeiras, respectively, until they reached the age to join.
Moreover, several reports indicate that Mora’s playing position and the appeal of the Mexican market make him an attractive target for Madrid. The club has been in search of creative players to bolster their lineup, particularly in light of the recent departures of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Madrid considers the Mexican market strategic for their brand, believing that signing a Mexican player would strengthen their presence in a country where they already have a substantial fan base.
Information from ESPN’s Adriana Garcia contributed to this report.
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