In the build-up to Mexico’s friendly with Chile in the United States, Iván Zamorano turned the spotlight towards one of Mexican football’s fastest-rising young figures: 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. The former Chile striker believes Mora has moved beyond the status of a surprise and now represents Mexico’s leading prospect.
Key takeaways
- Iván Zamorano described Gilberto Mora as the biggest current project in Mexican football.
- The Chilean great said the 17-year-old should eventually seek a move to Europe.
- Zamorano believes an overseas spell would bring Mora greater experience and maturity.
- He also praised the youngster’s calm, humble manner away from the pitch.
- The comments came before Mexico and Chile met in a friendly in the United States.
A prospect already making an impression
Zamorano, one of Chile’s most recognisable former international forwards, said Mora’s emergence should be treated as something more substantial than a brief burst of attention. In his view, the teenager has already established himself as a genuine figure within the Mexican game.
“There is no doubt that Gilberto is no longer a surprise; he is a reality in Mexican football,” Zamorano said. “He is the biggest project Mexican football has today.”
The praise places Mora among the names being watched closely beyond Mexico’s domestic borders, at an age when development and exposure must be balanced carefully. Zamorano’s view is that the player’s next major step should ultimately take him across the Atlantic.
Europe seen as the next stage
For Zamorano, a foreign move would not simply be a change of scenery. He sees European football as an important route for Mora to continue building the experience and maturity required in the professional game.
“I think it is very important for him to move abroad,” he said. “He clearly needs to keep progressing, gaining experience and maturity.”
The former Chile forward also highlighted Mora’s attitude as much as his footballing ability. He has been struck by the composed way the young Mexican has handled growing attention, describing him as focused, humble and straightforward whenever he speaks publicly.
Zamorano said he was pleased both for Mora and for Mexican football, which he believes has found a rare young talent in the teenager.
