Mexico were crowned back-to-back champions of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup after a thrilling 2-1 victory over the United States, but the night also marked a historic milestone. Gilberto Mora, a 16-year-old midfielder, stole the spotlight by setting a record that puts him ahead of some of football’s brightest stars.

What Record Did Gilberto Mora Break?

At 16 years and 265 days old, Gilberto Mora became the youngest player in international football history to win a major senior national team title. The Club Tijuana (Xolos) midfielder broke the record previously held by Lamine Yamal, who won the UEFA Euro 2024 with Spain at 17 years and 1 day.

Mora also surpassed the legendary Pelé, who had held the record for decades after winning the 1958 World Cup with Brazil at 17 years and 249 days.

How Did Mora Impact Mexico’s Gold Cup Campaign?

Mora made his debut in the quarterfinals against Saudi Arabia, then earned starts in both the semifinal and final. He assisted Raúl Jiménez’s match-winning goal against Honduras, and played 75 minutes in the Gold Cup Final against the United States, displaying maturity and composure beyond his years.

Why Is This Achievement Historic?

With his record-setting performance, Gilberto Mora is now officially recognized by FIFA as the youngest player ever to both appear in and win the final of a senior-level international tournament. His rise not only breaks long-standing records but also puts him firmly on the radar of football fans and scouts around the world.