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The historic Mexican goalkeeper ends his playing career
Mexico’s historic goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has officially announced his retirement from professional football, ending an illustrious 22-year career.
Ochoa, who turned 41 last week, said ahead of the 2026 World Cup that it would be his last tournament, although there had been talk of whether he would sign with a new club to extend his playing career, but he quashed those rumours.
Ochoa wrote on his social networks. “I did everything and left everything on the pitch for my clubs and national team and today I announce my retirement.”
He added: “Being a goalkeeper means knowing that you can wait 90 minutes for one moment when everything depends on you. When that moment comes, there is no room for hesitation.”
He continued. “I never imagined how far a dream could take me. Today I can only look back with pride and say thank you.”
He continued. “I carry with me the love of millions and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that I gave my all for Mexico.”
Ochoa participated in 6 World Cup games with the Mexican national team, the number of which is shared only by stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.In three of them: Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, he served as the starting goalkeeper.
Despite playing as a backup goalkeeper for Raul Rangel at the last World Cup, coach Javier Aguirre played Ochoa for the final 13 minutes of Mexico’s final group game against the Czechs, after which he received a standing ovation from his teammates.
At club level, Ochoa won the league title with America during the 2005 Clausura Championship and also won the Belgian Cup with Standard Liège. Internationally, he led Mexico to six CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
