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Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa retires after joining exclusive World Cup club alongside Messi, Ronaldo
23rd July, 2026 04:54 PM
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 41.
World governing body FIFA confirmed the veteran custodian’s retirement days after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, where the shot-stopper was part of El Tri’s squad for a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
His farewell appearance for Mexico came as a substitute in a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca, bringing an end to an illustrious 22-year career.
FIFA tribute
“The sixth-oldest player in FIFA World Cup history and a true legend of the tournament. Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa, who participated at a record-breaking sixth FIFA World Cup this year, has announced his retirement from football. Wishing you all the best in your retirement,” the FIFA statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026, read.
Ochoa made history by being selected for six different World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026)—an elite feat achieved by only two other players in men’s football history: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an emotional social media statement, Ochoa confirmed his decision, saying, “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.”
His professional journey saw him earn 154 caps for Mexico and play for nine clubs across seven countries, including AC Ajaccio in France, Salernitana in Italy, alongside spells in Spain, Belgium, Portugal, and Cyprus.
He joins a list of celebrated football icons who have called time on their careers following the tournament in North America.
The edition, like many before it, marked the end of an era for legends who have dominated the sport for decades. Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the game was his final World Cup, even though his official international retirement is still pending.
Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper, officially announced his retirement from international football after Germany’s surprising Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup, which ended in a 4-3 penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez also called time with Algeria following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat by Switzerland on Friday, July 3, 2026, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning over a decade.
He was named the best African player in 2016 and led Algeria to AFCON glory three years later.
