Following Mexico's U-20 team reaching the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Chile, scouts from across the biggest teams in the world are starting to take notice, with transfer rumours beginning to heat up for a variety of Mexico's future stars.
El Tri's youngsters managed to finish top of their group, which involved Spain, Morocco and Brazil, before running out to a 4-1 victory against the hosts to book a final eight meeting with Argentina.
The tournament poses as the ideal opportunity for exciting prospects from around the world to showcase their talent on a global stage, and it has already proven to be fruitful for Mexico as it looks to send more of its future to Europe to continue competing on the biggest stages.
These are the current rumours involving some of tomorrow's biggest names in Mexican football:
5. Hugo Camberos (18) - Sevilla
Chivas' latest prodigy comes in the form of 18-year-old winger Hugo Camberos. Having been utilised as a rotational player for Los Rojiblancos this season, Camberos may see his minutes increase when he returns from international duty after an eye-catching display. In four games for the U-20 squad, his best performance came in the opening knockout match against Chile, where he came off the bench to score twice, attracting interest from Spanish outfit Sevilla FC.
The Andalucian side are managed by former Chivas manager, Matías Almeyda, who guided the Mexican side to their most recent league title back in 2018 and has expressed his desire to bring Mexican talent to Europe, with his first target being a man from his former club before other big names from across the continent start to take an interest.
4. Diego Ochoa (20) - Multiple clubs
Currently on loan at FC Juárez, Diego Ochoa is another name to come from the Chivas academy who has grown in popularity since the start of the U-20 FIFA World Cup.
Reporter Martín del Palacios has compared the central defender to Mexican legend Rafael Márquez by saying, "he has everything, he reminds me of Rafa Márquez".
Starting all of Mexico's matches at the World Cup, Ochoa scored a late equaliser in their opening game against Brazil with a calmly slotted header before continuing to display solid performances as a physical, no-nonsense defender.
As for transfer rumours, reports suggest that Ochoa is attracting increasing attention from European clubs, though no specific team has yet been named in connection with his potential move.
At 20 years old, Ochoa has displayed that he has the potential to play an important role for club and country for years to come.
3. Obed Vargas (20) - Club Brugge & PSV
The only player in this list not currently playing in the Liga MX, Obed Vargas, is a central midfielder who wears the colours of the Seattle Sounders in the MLS.
Previously, Vargas has been associated with a move to Mexico, with teams like Club América and Tigres, but the creative midfielder has expressed his preference for a move to Europe.
Vargas has four goal contributions for Seattle this season, but has stolen attention at the World Cup with his passing range, dribbling ability and defensive contributions.
As Mexico prepare for a quarter-final meeting with Argentina, rumours of a move for Vargas to Europe have escalated with PSV and Club Brugge becoming to most recent clubs to be linked with the 20-year-old.
2. Elías Montiel (20) - Bayer Leverkusen
Elías Montiel is one of the most experienced names within the Mexican World Cup squad, being one of the only players in the team to have made his senior team debut.
As a box-to-box midfielder, Montiel covers every blade of grass whilst putting in a shift at both ends of the pitch.
Domestically, he has become an essential part of the Pachuca first-team, even helping them to lift the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, becoming the latest in a long line of exciting talents to come through their youth academy.
In the World Cup, Montiel has collected two assists whilst playing every minute for the national team, other than when he was rested for the final group stage match against Morocco.
His performances have earned the praises of scouts far and wide, with rumours of a European move emerging in the summer. Since playing at the competition, 2024 German Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have become the latest side to be interested in the Pachuca man, even reaching out to Los Tuzos in regards to his availability.
1. Gilberto Mora (16) - Barcelona, Manchester United & Ajax
The most exciting prospect in Mexican football right now is 16-year-old Gilberto Mora.
Nicknamed the “Mexican Pedri,” Mora has earned widespread acclaim, with giants such as Barcelona, Manchester United, and Ajax reportedly leading the chase for the Tijuana sensation.
Despite playing as an attacking midfielder, Mora has emerged as Mexico’s top scorer at the U-20 FIFA World Cup, netting three goals in the first four matches and contributing a goal or assist in every game.
Speculation about a move abroad has been circulating for months, with European clubs taking notice as early as the summer. Although Mora cannot officially transfer until he turns 18, several teams are eager to secure his commitment early, viewing him as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Recently, Tijuana hinted that any deal for their prodigy would come at a premium, reportedly valuing Mora at no less than €20 million, which would represent a record transfer fee for a Liga MX player.
Which deal excites you the most? Let us know!