An image that went around the world
On Saturday the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup were played between Norway and England. The match, which ended 1-2 in favor of the English with a double from Jude Bellingham, had a special guest in the stands: Gilberto Mora, the young promise of Mexican soccer.
The 17-year-old player, who plays for Xolos de Tijuana, attended the match accompanied by Rafaela Pimenta, representative of elite soccer players and agent of Erling Haaland, the Norwegian forward who played in the match.
With a San Diego Padres cap and red shirt, Mora experienced the atmosphere from the stands. But what caught the fans’ attention the most was seeing him participate in the famous ‘Norwegian rowing’, the celebration that Nordic fans hold during and after the games.
The celebration that went viral
In videos broadcast on social networks, the young Xolis youth squad can be seen smiling while imitating the rowing movement with the Norwegian fans. The scene reflects Mora’s connection with the international soccer environment, despite his young age.
The Mexican, considered one of the most promising jewels of national football, continues to add unique experiences while his sporting future is defined. Her presence on a World Cup stage, with the help of an agent with global weight like Pimenta, did not go unnoticed.
The English triumph, with the figure of Bellingham, put an end to Norway’s dream, but for Mora the trip left an unforgettable postcard: that of a young talent celebrating with the rival fans as if he were one of them.
