Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa set to hang up gloves after his sixth World Cup

Guillermo Ochoa, one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Mexican football history, will hang up his gloves immediately after the World Cup, according to ​journalist Fabrizio Romano.

"Memo Ochoa will play his sixth World Cup representing Mexico, ‌as the legendary goalkeeper will be part of the squad. Ochoa will retire from professional football immediately after, leaving his club and the national team," Romano, who specialises in news ​about soccer transfers, wrote on X.

Ochoa appeared to confirm the news himself ​by reposting Romano's message.

The World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the ⁠United States and Canada, will be a landmark occasion for the 40-year-old shot-stopper, ​who could become one of the very few players in history, alongside Lionel Messi ​and Cristiano Ronaldo, to appear in six World Cup tournaments.

Ochoa first represented Mexico on the world stage at Germany 2006 and went on to feature at South Africa 2010, Brazil ​2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, where he famously saved a penalty from ​Poland's Robert Lewandowski.

During his 22-year career at club level, Ochoa has played in France, Spain, Belgium, ‌Italy ⁠and Portugal. He currently plays for AEL Limassol in the Cypriot First Division.

"It could be the end for me after the World Cup. It's hard, without a doubt but I don't think it'll be that hard for me to say ​goodbye," Ochoa told ​Mexican outlet TUDN ⁠on Monday.

"You reach a point when your head and your body tell you that you've given it your all, and ​you can leave with a clear conscience," he added.

Coach Javier ​Aguirre will ⁠unveil his final squad on June 1. It remains to be seen whether Ochoa's experience will earn him a place in the starting line-up for Mexico, or if ⁠the ​spot will go to younger goalkeeper Tala Rangel.

Either ​way, Ochoa is expected to be one of the team's captains.

The global tournament will run from June ​11 to July 19.

Source - Reuters