At the 1958 World Cup, a 17-year-old performed brilliantly on the field for Brazil and almost single-handedly led them to win the entire tournament. He scored a hat-trick in a 1–0 quarterfinal win over Wales, a hat-trick in a semi-final win over France and two more goals in the final against host nation Sweden. His talent was undeniable. His name was Pele.
During Pelé's career, Brazil won two more World Cups in 1962 and 1970, solidifying his status as the greatest of all time. The lesson there was: If a player is talented enough, age is not a problem, and talent can manifest at an early age.
Mexico are hoping to get similar inspiration this summer from their own 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora.
Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora competing for the ball with Australia defender Aziz Behich during a friendly match on 30 May. Frederick J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
As a young boy, Mora began training with Tijuana, a club team in Liga MX. When he was just 15 years old, he made his debut in the senior circuit and became the youngest goalscorer in Liga MX history. At the age of 16, he helped Mexico win the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup and became the youngest player to claim an international trophy. He beat Pelé to that milestone.
Mora is listed at just 5-foot-6, 137 pounds. But he has proven to be a skilled attacking midfielder, capable of beating players twice his age.
“I want to win trophies with Xoloz,” Mora told ESPN last year“And obviously with the national team, will also go to the World Cup and Europe,” referring to his club team.
His pursuit of those goals continues this summer, when Moura could become only the eighth 17-year-old to play in the World Cup, and the youngest ever to play for Mexico.