Guillermo Ochoa retires after six World Cups with Mexico

Veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41. The announcement came on July 21 via his social media profiles, marking the end of a distinguished 22-year career.

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I gave everything, I left everything, in my teams and in my national team. Today I hand over my gloves.

Ochoa's career is highlighted by his unprecedented participation in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and most recently, 2026, which Mexico co-hosted. This achievement places him alongside global icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of only three players to have appeared in six World Cup editions. He also holds the record for the most national team appearances by a Mexican player after Andrés Guardado and Claudio Suárez.

In his farewell video, Ochoa expressed his deep gratitude, stating, "I gave everything, I left everything, in my teams and in my national team. Today I hand over my gloves." He thanked his family, teammates, and fans, cherishing the "affection of millions and the peace of mind" from his journey. He played his final World Cup minutes in the 2026 tournament, entering the match against the Czech Republic as Mexico secured a 3-0 victory.

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I don't understand my career without the national team, as it was there that I understood the true size of this responsibility.

Reflecting on his career, Ochoa emphasized the significance of the national team, saying, "I don't understand my career without the national team, as it was there that I understood the true size of this responsibility." He also offered advice to future goalkeepers: "To whoever comes next, I just want to tell you one thing: trust. The goal doesn't ask for perfection, it asks for pride."

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To whoever comes next, I just want to tell you one thing: trust. The goal doesn't ask for perfection, it asks for pride.