Former Barcelona defender compares Mexican starlet linked with club to Lamine Yamal: ‘A similar type of player’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have been keeping an eye on Gilberto Mora, but it is a comparison to one of their own stars that has now put the Mexican teenager in the spotlight.

Rafa Marquez, who knows the Barcelona pathway better than most, has likened Mora to Lamine Yamal after watching the 17-year-old make his mark for Tijuana and Mexico.

The former Barça defender is now Mexico’s national team coach, but his assessment carries extra weight because of his previous work with Barça Atlètic. 

What was said?

Marquez was around the club when Yamal was beginning his own extraordinary rise, even if he barely had time to work with the winger before the first team came calling.

“It happened to me with Lamine Yamal. I promoted him and they took him away from me within a month. 

Rafa Marquez has compared Gilberto Mora to Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

“So obviously Gilberto is a similar type of player,” said Rafa Marquez, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Mora is attracting attention beyond Mexico

There is plenty to explain the growing interest, as Mora was one of Mexico’s standout players at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile last year and later played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

Barcelona have been mentioned among his admirers before, and that interest has not disappeared. The important caveat is that Barça have not made a move for the midfielder yet.

For now, Mora is being watched rather than negotiated for, with his performances continuing to influence how European clubs assess his potential.

Gilberto Mora continues to be on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Francisco Vega/Getty Images)

Barcelona are not alone, either, as Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been linked with the youngster, while Inter Miami have also entered the conversation. 

At this stage, Yamal and Mora can be distinguished in terms of experience and capabilities.

The Spaniard, for instance, is now considered one of the best players in the sport right now and is being campaigned for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Mora, on the other hand, is viewed as one of the upcoming stars of the current generation.