Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Santiago Giménez Calls Gilberto Mora 'Different' as 17-Year-Old Skips U-17 World Cup to Finish Apertura With Xolos

The 17-year-old will stay with Tijuana for the Apertura 2025 run-in, delaying any move abroad until he becomes eligible to transfer.

Overview

  • México striker Santiago Giménez praised Mora's mindset in a recent live stream, recalling seeing the teenager reading a book on the team bus and calling him a standout talent.
  • Reports confirm Mora will not join Mexico's U-17 World Cup squad, with the midfielder set to prioritize Tijuana's final stretch of the Apertura 2025.
  • Spanish outlet AS featured Mora on its Oct. 18 cover as 'under surveillance,' with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Premier League clubs scouting him.
  • Despite sustained European monitoring, outlets report there are no formal offers at this time for the Xolos prospect.
  • Coverage notes FIFA rules mean Mora cannot complete an overseas move until he turns 18, as he targets a pathway toward Mexico's 2026 World Cup roster.