AlmeríaCádizCórdobaGranadaHuelvaJaénMálagaSevillaAlpujarra AlmerienseLos VélezComarca Metropolitana de AlmeríaFilabres-TabernasLevante AlmeriensePoniente AlmerienseValle del AlmanzoraBahía de CádizCampiña de JerezCampo de GibraltarCosta NoroesteLa JandaSierra de CádizAlto GuadalquivirCampiña de BaenaCampiña Sur CordobesaLos PedrochesCórdoba (comarca)SubbéticaValle del GuadiatoValle Medio del GuadalquivirAlpujarra GranadinaComarca de AlhamaComarca de BazaComarca de GuadixComarca de HuéscarComarca de LojaCosta GranadinaLos MontesValle de LecrínVega de GranadaEl AndévaloEl Condado de HuelvaCosta OccidentalCuenca MineraComarca Metropolitana de HuelvaSierra de HuelvaÁrea Metropolitana de JaénCampiña de JaénEl Condado (Jaén)La LomaSierra de CazorlaSierra MáginaSierra MorenaSierra de SeguraSierra Sur de JaénLas VillasComarca de AntequeraLa AxarquíaGuadaltebaCosta del Sol OccidentalMálaga Costa del SolNorormaValle del GuadalhorceSerranía de RondaSierra de las NievesAljarafeBajo GuadalquivirCampiña de CarmonaCampiña de Morón y MarchenaComarca de ÉcijaComarca Metropolitana de SevillaSierra Norte de SevillaSierra Sur de SevillaVega del GuadalquivirAlmeríaCádizCórdobaGranadaHuelvaJaénMálagaSevillaAlpujarra AlmerienseLos VélezComarca Metropolitana de AlmeríaFilabres-TabernasLevante AlmeriensePoniente AlmerienseValle del AlmanzoraBahía de CádizCampiña de JerezCampo de GibraltarCosta NoroesteLa JandaSierra de CádizAlto GuadalquivirCampiña de BaenaCampiña Sur CordobesaLos PedrochesCórdoba (comarca)SubbéticaValle del GuadiatoValle Medio del GuadalquivirAlpujarra GranadinaComarca de AlhamaComarca de BazaComarca de GuadixComarca de HuéscarComarca de LojaCosta GranadinaLos MontesValle de LecrínVega de GranadaEl AndévaloEl Condado de HuelvaCosta OccidentalCuenca MineraComarca Metropolitana de HuelvaSierra de HuelvaÁrea Metropolitana de JaénCampiña de JaénEl Condado (Jaén)La LomaSierra de CazorlaSierra MáginaSierra MorenaSierra de SeguraSierra Sur de JaénLas VillasComarca de AntequeraLa AxarquíaGuadaltebaCosta del Sol OccidentalMálaga Costa del SolNorormaValle del GuadalhorceSerranía de RondaSierra de las NievesAljarafeBajo GuadalquivirCampiña de CarmonaCampiña de Morón y MarchenaComarca de ÉcijaComarca Metropolitana de SevillaSierra Norte de SevillaSierra Sur de SevillaVega del Guadalquivir
ES|EN
La Voz de Andalucía logo

La Voz de Andalucía

Guillermo Ochoa: The Mexican Goalkeeper Making History in His Sixth World Cup

The veteran Mexican goalkeeper, at 40 years old, joins Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo by competing in his sixth World Cup.

Generic image of a soccer ball on grass with a blurred goal net at sunset.
IA

Generic image of a soccer ball on grass with a blurred goal net at sunset.

Iconic Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, is set to compete in his sixth World Cup, an unprecedented achievement that places him alongside figures like Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Mexican national team's squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup includes veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who will reach the historic milestone of six appearances in the premier football competition. This achievement places him in an elite group alongside two of modern football's greatest legends, Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Currently, the goalkeeper, known as 'Memo' Ochoa, plays for AEL Limassol FC in the Cypriot First Division. Despite playing in a league considered minor and not having a standout season, his vast international experience has been crucial for his inclusion in the Mexican squad. Mexico's debut in the tournament is scheduled for next Thursday, June 11, against South Africa, although coach Javier Aguirre has not yet confirmed the starting goalkeeper. It is speculated that 26-year-old Raúl Rangel might be chosen due to his more recent playing time, but Ochoa's experience keeps him a viable alternative.
Ochoa's World Cup journey began in Germany 2006, though he did not play. His debut in a World Cup occurred in Brazil 2014, where he led Mexico to an initial victory against Cameroon. After a notable group stage, the team was eliminated in the round of 16 by the Netherlands. In Russia 2018, Ochoa was instrumental in the surprising victory against Germany, keeping a clean sheet. Mexico again finished second in their group and fell to Brazil. In Qatar 2022, despite group stage elimination, Ochoa made history by saving a penalty, something a Mexican goalkeeper had not done in a World Cup for 92 years.
Beyond his memorable World Cup performances, Ochoa's club career is also noteworthy. He made his professional debut in 2004 with Club América, Mexico's most successful team, winning three titles before moving to Europe. Interestingly, he was the first Mexican footballer to be included in the Ballon d'Or shortlist in 2007, securing the thirtieth position.
His European tour included stints with AC Ajaccio in France, Málaga CF, and Granada CF in Spain's LaLiga, where he had less playing time. He later played in the Belgian league before returning to Club América. His career continued in Europe with Salernitana in Italy and AVS Futebol in Portugal, before his move to AEL Limassol in Cyprus in 2025.
At 40 years old, Guillermo Ochoa remains active and has the opportunity to compete in another World Cup. His immediate future, both with the national team and at club level, is uncertain, but his legacy, particularly in the World Cups, is firmly secured in the memories of football fans.

Related News