In the world of football, as in any other field, new talents emerge with each generation. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi will eventually retire, and the future of world football belongs to the younger generation. This year, Rodri won the Ballon d'Or, while Vinicius was named World Footballer of the Year. Talented players such as Mbappe and Haaland are in their prime, and Ansu Fati, at just 17, has become a key player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Now, a Portuguese player of the same age is also rising to prominence. In two matches, this 17-year-old star has scored four goals, leading his team to the top of the Portuguese league table, and a potential successor to Cristiano Ronaldo is emerging.
On December 29th, in the 16th round of the Portuguese league, Porto defeated Boavista 4-0 at home. In this match, three young Porto players scored all four goals for the team. Among them, 22-year-old former Barcelona player Nico Gonzalez scored one goal and provided one assist, while 20-year-old Omorediom scored twice. He joined Porto from Atletico Madrid this summer. Rodrigo Mora, who is three years younger than Omorediom, had one goal and one assist in this match.
Porto is known as a "star-making factory," where many young players receive training before moving on to the top five leagues, including Deco, Carvalho, Pepe, Falcao, James Rodriguez, and Dias. Gonzalez and Omorediom have come to the right place by joining Porto. As for Mora, he is a product of Porto's youth academy and has been representing the first team this season. He has recently started consecutive games, showcasing his talent.
In the match against Boavista, Mora assisted Gonzalez's goal in the 55th minute with a cross. In the 59th minute, Mora dribbled past defenders on the right flank, creating space for a left-footed shot that found the back of the net. In the previous round of the Portuguese league, Porto beat Moreirense 3-0, with Mora contributing one goal and one assist. Looking back one more game, Mora came off the bench to provide an assist. He has been involved in scoring in three consecutive games, which could secure him a starting position. With a streak of three league victories, Porto has temporarily surpassed Benfica and Sporting Lisbon to take the top spot in the standings.
During the U17 European Championship that concluded this summer, Mora played 12 times for the Portuguese team, scoring seven goals and providing four assists, helping the team reach the final and finish as runners-up. Mora's hairstyle resembles Felix, and he is a technically versatile midfield player capable of playing in multiple positions. Standing at 1.68 meters tall, he brings a sense of creativity to the game and has a balanced use of both feet. Porto entrusts Mora with the number 10 jersey, demonstrating their faith in him. If Mora continues to develop steadily, he will be selected for the Portuguese national team. With Ronaldo approaching 40 years of age, young Mora has the potential to succeed Ronaldo and lead the Portuguese team forward.