The announcement of the nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or caused a stir in Mexico, highlighting the inclusion of Julián Quiñones and Scarlett Camberos, but also showcasing the absence of Gilberto Mora, midfielder for Xolos de Tijuana, who had made his mark during the 2026 World Cup at just 17 years old.
Mora’s absence from the Kopa Trophy is not attributed to an error, but rather to the intense international competition and the selection criteria established by France Football. This organization prioritizes complete seasons in elite clubs and collective titles, complicating Mora’s chances of competing with prominent players in Europe.
The path toward Gilberto’s nomination seemed plausible, as he was the only minor participating in the 2026 World Cup, where he was a starter in matches against Czech Republic, Ecuador, and England, accumulating 216 minutes. FIFA highlighted his vision, ball control, and maturity, considering him one of the surprises of the tournament. Additionally, Mora became the second-youngest player to participate in a knockout match, surpassed only by Pelé in 1958.
Despite his promising performance, France Football’s evaluation was based on the period spanning from August 2025 to July 2026. In this context, Mora was unable to match players who had already completed full seasons in leagues such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, and Champions League.
The list of 10 nominees for the 2026 Kopa Trophy reflects the high standards Mora is up against. Among the nominees are Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) with 25 goals and 20 assists, and Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), son of World Cup champions, as the tournament’s best young player, as well as other notable players like Yan Diomandé (Real Madrid) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), who hold significant titles. This wide level of competition indicates that not only does one need to be a World Cup revelation, but also to demonstrate continuity and sustained prominence in elite clubs.
Despite his exclusion, Mora’s market value rose to €25 million following his performance in the World Cup, making him the most valuable player in the history of Liga MX for his age category. His impact remains significant in Mexican football. The awards gala will feature Mexican representation, as Julián Quiñones and Scarlett Camberos have been nominated in their respective categories, and América Femenil is competing for the best club of the year award.
Historically, other Mexican players have also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but Mora’s absence does not diminish his potential. His economic value and growth on the international stage maintain his status as one of the brightest prospects in the country, leaving the expectation that in future editions his name may appear alongside other Mexicans who have made a mark on this prestigious award.
Source: www.infobae.com
