Legendary Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa dey plan to hang his gloves after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Mexican media like TUDN, the former Malaga star go retire from international football after the tournament wey go hold for Mexico, United States, and Canada.
Ochoa, wey be 39 years old now, go dey play for him sixth World Cup if he make the squad. But the matter get controversy because Javier Aguirre, the Mexico coach, call am even though Ochoa no dey play regular for AEL Limassol for Cyprus First Division.
Ochoa build a strong legacy for Mexico national team over more than 20 years. He become one of the most famous and longest-serving players for the Tricolor. Him name dey always link to World Cups, where he shine well well.
For Brazil 2014, Ochoa make history with him performance against Brazil. Him save plenty goals and help Mexico draw 0-0. That match give am international fame. He make six saves, including two against Neymar, one against Thiago Silva, one against Fred, and one against Paulinho.
For Russia 2018, Ochoa show again him quality. He make nine saves against Germany as Mexico win 1-0. The victory sweet because Germany be defending champions. But Brazil later eliminate Mexico for round of 16.
For Qatar 2022, Ochoa save a penalty from Robert Lewandowski in the 0-0 draw with Poland. That make am the first Mexican goalkeeper to save a World Cup penalty since Oscar Bonfiglio for Uruguay 1930. But Mexico no go past group stage for the first time in 44 years.
Ochoa start him World Cup journey for Germany 2006 as third-choice goalkeeper. He no play any match. For South Africa 2010, he be second-choice behind Oscar Perez. Him first World Cup action come for Brazil 2014 at age 28.
For him career, Ochoa play for America, Ajaccio, Malaga, Standard Liege, and now AEL Limassol. He win the Belgian Cup with Standard Liege. The IFFHS rank am seventh best goalkeeper in the world for 2014.
Ochoa be part of a select group of players wey don play five World Cups. That group include Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, Gianluigi Buffon, Lothar Matthaus, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Only Ochoa, Messi, and Ronaldo go make six appearances.
The goalkeeper born for Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on July 13, 1985. Him full name be Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magana. He start him career with America and quickly become number one after Adolfo Rios leave.
For 2011, Ochoa and four other players test positive for clenbuterol during the Gold Cup. But FIFA exonerate them because the contamination come from food. That incident no stop him career.
Ochoa captain Mexico for Qatar 2022 and still keep him quality at age 37. Him save a penalty against Robert Lewandowski make am the first Mexican goalkeeper to do so in a World Cup since 1930.
Despite him age and lack of playing time for club, Javier Aguirre still call am. The decision cause some controversy because Ochoa no dey play regular. But Aguirre believe him experience go help the team for World Cup.
Ochoa legacy go be one of leadership, perseverance, and pride for Mexico. Him name go forever dey for World Cup history. The 2026 tournament go be him final chance to shine for the national team.
