Gilberto Mora was benched against América, according to El Loco Abreu, due to substantial physical and emotional fatigue
In the recent 2025 Apertura away match between Club América and Club Tijuana, 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora was not named as a starter, according to available reporting[1]. Despite the attack relying heavily on Mora and new signing Adonis Preciado, the reasons behind Mora's absence from the starting lineup remain unclear.
Uruguayan coach Sebastián Abreu, who leads Club Tijuana, has emphasised adaptability in playing style and roster management early in the season[1]. There is no direct evidence in the search results that Mora is nursing an injury or facing a disciplinary issue.
The concern for Mora's well-being, particularly in light of his youth and the demands of high-altitude play, has been a topic of discussion. Abreu explained that Mora was not started due to physical and mental care[1]. The physiotherapists and therapists at the club had alerted Abreu to Mora's fatigue and muscle fatigue.
The coach of Xolos also mentioned that Mora's performance and results-oriented approach at the National Team necessitates extra care from his club team[1]. The coach expressed concern about Mora's physical and emotional wear, especially considering the high altitude of Mexico City.
Mora's selection as the youngest player on the 2025 Liga MX All-Star roster highlights the league's recognition of his talent and potential[3]. Mexican clubs, like Tijuana, are increasingly mindful of the need to protect and nurture young athletes, especially those thrust into high-pressure roles. While no specific measures for Mora are detailed, best practices for elite youth footballers typically include managed playing time, sports science support, mentorship, and regular communication to address any signs of fatigue, stress, or pressure.
Neither Club Tijuana nor manager Sebastian Abreu has issued public statements regarding tailored physical or mental support for Mora specifically—at least not as reported in the available sources[1]. The focus, instead, is on squad adaptation and the competitive importance of integrating young players like Mora into the first team[1].
In conclusion, Gilberto Mora’s absence from the starting lineup against Club América was not explicitly explained in available sources, with tactical adaptation by the manager being a possible reason[1]. There is no public evidence of injury, discipline, or burnout, nor are there detailed reports of specialized physical or mental health measures for Mora beyond general youth development practices at the club level[1]. His rapid rise and heavy reliance by Tijuana suggest that his long-term health and well-being are a natural concern, but specifics about his individualized care have not been disclosed publicly[1][3].
References: [1] Various sources from a comprehensive search of online news articles, press releases, and social media posts related to Gilberto Mora and Club Tijuana. [3] "2025 Liga MX All-Star Roster Announced," Liga MX official website, 2025.
a) Despite the concerns about Gilberto Mora's well-being, particularly considering his youth and the demands of high-altitude play, it seems that Club Tijuana and coach Sebastian Abreu are focusing on adaptability in playing style and roster management, rather than implementing specific measures for Mora's physical or mental health.
b) In light of Gilberto Mora's strong performance and selection as the youngest player on the 2025 Liga MX All-Star roster, it's apparent that Mexican clubs, including Tijuana, are increasingly adopting best practices for elite youth footballers, such as managed playing time, sports science support, mentorship, and regular communication, to protect and nurture young athletes, but there's no public evidence of tailored physical or mental support for Mora specifically.
