Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, aged 39, has set his sights on an ambitious goal of representing Mexico in a record sixth World Cup in 2026. This feat has never been achieved by any male football player in history. Ochoa’s determination to secure a spot in the national team is evident by his recent move to the Portuguese Primeira Liga team AVS, in hopes of increasing his chances for selection.
Despite his impressive track record and experience, new head coach Javier Aguirre did not include Ochoa in the initial 26-man call-up for the Mexican national team for the September friendlies. This exclusion came as a surprise to many, as well as the omission of other veteran players such as Raúl Jiménez and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano from the squad. However, Mexico managed to secure a 3-0 victory against New Zealand and will now face Canada in their upcoming match.
Undeterred by his absence from the national team, Ochoa remains confident in his ability to make a strong case for a return to El Tri. His primary focus is to excel in the Portugal premier league with AVS while keeping his World Cup dream alive. Ochoa draws motivation from the positive feedback given by his Mexico teammates, who praised the high level of competition in Portugal.
As Ochoa navigates his way through the competitive world of football, he is determined to leave a lasting impact on the sport. With 150 appearances for Mexico, he holds the title of the most capped goalkeeper in the country’s history. Alongside legends like Antonio Carbajal, Rafa Márquez, and Andrés Guardado, Ochoa is part of a select group of Mexicans to have participated in five World Cups.
Ochoa’s recent move to AVS presents a new challenge for the seasoned goalkeeper. The Portuguese club currently sits in 11th place in the league, with a mixed record of one win, one draw, and two losses in four games. Ochoa aims to contribute to the growth and success of AVS, while also striving to make his club debut in the near future.
Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa’s journey towards achieving a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance is filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, his unwavering determination and commitment to both club and country are testaments to his remarkable resilience and passion for the beautiful game. As he sets his sights on the future, Ochoa continues to embody the spirit of a true footballing legend.