Gilberto Mora: Rising Star of Liga MX and International Football

Gilberto Mora’s remarkable rise in the football world can be attributed to his stellar performance in 2025, where he showcased his talent for both club and country. Despite an early conclusion to his Apertura campaign, his contributions across various competitions, including notable appearances for Mexico, garnered significant attention from European scouts, playing a crucial role in his ascent to the top of the rankings.

Throughout the year, Mora netted 12 goals across Liga MX, the Leagues Cup, and international tournaments. This impressive tally established him as the most prolific scorer worldwide in the 2025 calendar year among players under the age of 17, finishing three goals ahead of Bayern Munich’s prospect, Lennart Karl, and Irish striker, Michael Noonan.

At the club level, nine of his goals were scored with Xolos de Tijuana—seven in Liga MX and two in the Leagues Cup—while he also recorded three goals during the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he emerged as a pivotal figure for the Mexican national team.

Mora shares the top market valuation of $11 million with Allan Saint-Maximin. The French winger, a prominent name in the league, has seen a slight dip in his value since joining Club América after stints with Al-Ain and Fenerbahçe.

Below them in the rankings, a group of midfielders underscores the depth of talent within Liga MX. Marcel Ruiz and Erick Lira, both valued at $9.9 million, have had standout seasons with Toluca and Cruz Azul, respectively, becoming essential players for their clubs and the Mexican national setup.

Alejandro Zendejas, who has been rumored to move to MLS over the past two seasons, ranks eighth with a valuation of $9.35 million. The USMNT winger has been a key contributor for Club América, amassing 33 goals and 22 assists in 113 matches over five seasons.

| Rank | Player | Market Value (USD) |
|——|———————|———————|
| 1 | Gilberto Mora | $11.0M |
| 1 | Allan Saint-Maximin | $11.0M |
| 3 | Marcel Ruiz | $9.9M |
| 3 | Erick Lira | $9.9M |
| 3 | Ángel Correa | $9.9M |
| 3 | Alexis Vega | $9.9M |
| 7 | Germán Berterame | $9.35M |
| 7 | Álvaro Fidalgo | $9.35M |
| 7 | Alejandro Zendejas | $9.35M |
| 10 | Armando González | $7.7M