Club Tijuana secured the talent of Gilberto Mora, the main jewel of Mexican football today, for another three years. The 17-year-old midfielder signed a contract extension and also received the traditional number 10, a clear sign of the trust placed in him to lead the Xolos project.
Born on October 14, 2008 in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mora exploded into Tijuana’s youth ranks and debuted in the main team at the age of 15. His rapid rise caught the attention of the Mexican national team, where he became the youngest player to debut with the main shirt.
The renewal comes at a strategic time. With the 2026 World Cup knocking on the door, the young man will be the youngest athlete in the entire competition, at just 17 years old. He is the only minor among all those called up from the 48 participating teams.
At Tijuana, Mora accumulated consistent performances as an attacking midfielder, with goals, assists and displays of unusual maturity for his age. His technical style, game vision and decision-making ability under pressure place him as one of the most valuable names in Liga MX, with market estimates of around 10 million euros.
The decision to extend the contract until 2029 reflects the club’s strategy of protecting its assets and giving time for player development. The board prioritizes Mora’s sporting growth before any possible transfer abroad after the world tournament.
For Mexico, keeping Mora longer in the Liga MX environment is essential. The Chiapaneco talent arrives at the World Cup as one of the fans’ great hopes, capable of making a difference in a team that seeks to surprise in the competition hosted at home, in the United States and Canada.
The number 10 carries symbolic weight in Mexican football and now becomes the responsibility of a boy who hasn’t even turned 18 yet. The choice reinforces Mora’s status as Tijuana’s big project for the immediate future.