Gilberto Mora is emerging as one of the footballers who could play an important role in the beginning of Rafael Márquez's era at the helm of the Mexican National Team. At just 17 years old, the Xolos de Tijuana midfielder already has experience in the 2025 Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup, in addition to having debuted in Liga MX on August 18, 2024, when he was 15. His characteristics as an inside midfielder and his ability to play in different areas of the midfield align with the playing style the new Tricolor coach seeks to implement.

One of the factors that could favor Mora is Márquez's experience in Barcelona's football system, where he played between 2003 and 2010 and later managed Barcelona Atlètic. During his time as coach of the Catalan affiliate, he participated in the development of players like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Fermín López, Gerard Martín, and Marc Bernal. Mora's profile, described as a midfielder with characteristics similar to players developed at La Masia, could allow the Mexican strategist to leverage his youth, mobility, and ability to occupy different spaces on the field.

In the Mexican National Team, Mora debuted during the 2025 Gold Cup as an inside midfielder within a 4-3-3 formation, while in the 2026 World Cup, he was used on the left flank, alternating his position with Roberto Alvarado to also appear in central channels. This versatility could become one of his main strengths during the new cycle, as Márquez is already familiar with his abilities after serving as Javier Aguirre's assistant during the World Cup. With his international experience despite his young age and his ability to play in different positions, Mora stands out as one of the young players who could gain more prominence in this new era for the Tricolor.