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Gilberto Mora made his return to the pitch with Tijuana in Liga MX this past weekend and admitted that "at this point, I haven't heard anything" regarding a possible move to European football.
The 17-year-old prodigy was the youngest player to appear at the 2026 World Cup, logging 215 minutes for Mexico during their run to the round of 16, where he became the youngest player to feature in the knockout stages since Pelé back in 1958.
Mora made his first appearance for Tijuana since returning from World Cup duty and netted a composed penalty to secure his side's victory over Club León. After the final whistle, the teenage sensation spoke openly about what lies ahead for him.
"Until now, I haven't heard anything," Mora said, via Marca. "I don't know if my agent has anything because she hasn't told me anything either. Right now I'm focused on the club (Tijuana), I'm just thinking about being here, living every day and training.
"I leave that to my agent [a potential transfer] and if it's going to happen, it's going to happen, let's hope it happens."
Mora cannot make the move to European football until after he turns 18 in October. Tijuana owner Jorge Hank Rhon has already confirmed that Mora will remain at the club through the end of 2026. Several European heavyweights have been linked with the youngster following his breakthrough in 2025, among them Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal.
However, Mora has made no secret of the fact that he grew up idolizing Real Madrid and, more specifically, his dream of one day playing alongside Jude Bellingham.
Gilberto Mora Shares Details of Bellingham Conversation
Mora played in Mexico's gut-wrenching 3–2 loss to England in the World Cup round of 16, a match the Three Lions claimed largely thanks to Bellingham's stunning brace. After the final whistle, the Real Madrid star was spotted comforting Mora as both players headed toward the tunnel, even exchanging shirts with the tearful teenager. Mora recently opened up about the conversation he shared with his idol.
"It was very special," Mora said following the match against León. "I've always really admired the way he [Bellingham] plays, he's an idol for me and getting to compete against him was a dream come true. We exchanged a few words on the pitch, which is normal, and honestly he is a very kind, humble person and as a player he's exceptional. So I'm very grateful I got to experience that moment."
Before the World Cup, Mora had singled out Bellingham when asked which player he would most want to play alongside for the remainder of his career.
A transfer to Real Madrid would be nothing short of a fairy tale for the Tijuana starlet, though nothing currently suggests that scenario is imminent. For the time being, Tijuana appear determined to shield Mora at all costs, as evidenced by one of their most recent decisions.
MLS All-Star Participation
Mora was initially named to the 28-player Liga MX All-Star squad set to face the MLS All-Stars in Wednesday's inter-league showcase. However, he has since been pulled from the roster and will not travel to the United States for the All-Star festivities.
No official explanation has been provided for his withdrawal, though reports indicate that Tijuana were reluctant to release the teenager given that he is still building back to full fitness after returning from his post-World Cup break less than two weeks ago.
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Additionally, Tijuana are scheduled to face Atlético San Luis on Friday evening as Liga MX's Apertura 2026 campaign resumes just 48 hours after the All-Star Game. Mora is expected to feature for the border-city club in that fixture, which served as another factor in the team's decision to keep him away from the exhibition match.
Along with Mora, former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has also withdrawn from the Liga MX All-Star squad. On the opposing side, Lionel Messi is set to sit out the All-Star Game for the third consecutive year despite being the marquee name on MLS's original roster.