Why can't Gilberto Mora break Pelé's historic World Cup record?
Much has been said about the possibility of Gilberto Mora surpassing Pelé's goal record from 1958. The Mexican will not be able to do it
Gilberto Mora is the Mexican soccer player who has generated the greatest expectations around the Aztec team. The Xolos de Tijuana footballer could join a select list of World Cup records. Mora would share a scoring record with Pelé, but he will not be able to surpass him.
The record that has been talked about a lot is the possibility of Gilberto Mora becoming the youngest scorer in World Cup history. This award belongs to the legendary Pelé.
The former Brazilian soccer player managed to place himself at the top of history by scoring his first goal in a World Cup at the age of 17 years and 239 days. That goal represented Brazil's 1-0 victory over Wales in the quarterfinals of the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
Gilberto Mora will not surpass Pelé
The Xolos de Tijuana midfielder was born on October 14, 2008. In this sense, on June 11 of this year (the date on which Mexico will play the first match of the World Cup), Mora will be 17 years and 240 days old.
The Liga MX footballer would be one day away from trying to equal Pelé's record from 1958. For now, Pelé's record will remain valid for 4 more years.
However, Gilberto Mora could settle for entering the historic podium of this record. If the Mexican manages to score a goal in any of the World Cup matches, “Morita” will be placed in second place in the ranking.
Curiously, Gilberto Mora would unseat a countryman. The Xolos footballer would surpass Manuel Rosas. Rosas' record dates back to the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. The Mexican scored his first goal in a duel against the Argentina team. Rosas was 18 years and 89 days old.
Youngest players to score in a World Cup
Pelé (Brazil) – 17 years and 239 days World Cup: Sweden 1958 | Rival: Wales
Manuel Rosas (Mexico) – 18 years and 93 days World Cup: Uruguay 1930 | Rival: Argentina
Gavi (Spain) – 18 years and 110 days World Cup: Qatar 2022 | Rival: Costa Rica
Michael Owen (England) – 18 years and 190 days World Cup: France 1998 | Rival: Romania
Nicolae Kovács (Romania) – 18 years and 197 days World Cup: Uruguay 1930 | Rival: Peru