The annual NXGN lists are back for 2026, as GOAL ranks the world's top teenage talents in men's and women's football, crowning winners that will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Vicky Lopez in being recognised as the best young footballers on the planet.

After a breakout year at both club and international level, Gilberto Mora now sits atop Liga MX’s market value rankings heading into the Clausura 2026. Transfermarkt’s final update of the year lists the 17-year-old Xolos de Tijuana standout alongside Club América’s Allan Saint-Maximin. U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas also made the top 10.

There are plenty of top talents, from the United States and abroad, who are expected to make their mark for the first time at the 2026 World Cup

Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are reportedly chasing Mexican wonderkid Gilberto Mora, while David Beckham's Inter Miami are also considering a swoop. At just 17 years old, Mora has already set tongues wagging across global football. The Club Tijuana sensation broke into the senior team in 2024, has clocked up 41 appearances, bagged seven goals and two assists, and even made his full international debut for Mexico’s national team.