MEXICO : The 41-year-old, who turned 41 last week, confirmed on Tuesday that he will retire from both club and international football, putting an end to speculation that he could sign with another club to extend his playing career.
“I gave it my all; I left everything on the field for my clubs and the national team, and today I hang up my gloves,” Ochoa wrote on social media. “Being a goalkeeper means knowing you might wait 90 minutes for a single moment when everything depends on you. And when that moment arrives, you cannot hesitate.”
Ochoa was part of Mexico’s squad at six FIFA World Cups, a rare achievement shared only by football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He was Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, producing several memorable performances that made him a fan favourite across the world.
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He made his top-flight debut with Club America in February 2004 and spent seven seasons with the Mexico City club before moving to French side Ajaccio in 2011. The move made him the first Mexico-born goalkeeper to play in Europe. His club career also included spells with Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS Futebol and AEL Limassol, along with a return to Club America between 2019 and 2022.
“I never imagined how far a dream could take me. Today, I can only look back with pride and say: Thank you,” Ochoa said. “I take with me the affection of millions and the peace of mind that comes with knowing I gave everything for Mexico.”
In his final World Cup appearance in North America, Ochoa was mainly used as a backup to Raul Rangel. However, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre brought him on for the final 13 minutes against Czechia in Mexico’s last group-stage match. After the final whistle at Azteca Stadium, where his career began, an emotional Ochoa kissed the goalposts before being embraced by his teammates.
At club level, Ochoa won the 2005 Clausura league title with Club America and lifted the Belgian Cup with Standard Liege. With Mexico, he won six CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and also earned a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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