Teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora made history on Thursday by becoming Mexico’s youngest player to feature at a men’s World Cup.
The 17-year-old was introduced in the 66th minute of Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening match, making his World Cup debut at the age of 17 years and 240 days.
More than 80,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium welcomed the youngster with chants of “Mora, Mora” as Mexico went on to seal the win.
Mora, who helped Mexico win the Gold Cup at just 16 years old, earned his ninth senior international appearance in the match. The Club Tijuana prospect is also the youngest player competing at the expanded 48-team tournament and has reportedly attracted interest from several European clubs.
The record for the youngest player in men’s World Cup history is still held by Northern Ireland’s Norman Whiteside, who appeared at the 1982 World Cup in Spain at the age of 17 years and 41 days.
