The legendary Guillermo Ochoa has announced his retirement

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil became the final major tournament of the 41-year-old's career, after which he decided to bring his playing days to an end.

Ochoa retires with a unique achievement. He became one of only three players in history to appear at six FIFA World Cups, a record shared only with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In his farewell message, the legendary goalkeeper thanked everyone who had been part of his football journey.

“I never imagined where my dream would take me. Today, I can only look back with pride and say thank you. Thank you to my family, my teammates, and every supporter who stood by me. I leave with peace, knowing I gave everything for Mexico. What we experienced together will stay with us forever,” Ochoa wrote.

During a career spanning more than two decades, the goalkeeper played for Club América in Mexico, Ajaccio in France, Málaga and Granada in Spain, Standard Liège in Belgium, Salernitana in Italy, ABC in Portugal, and AEL Limassol in Cyprus.

At club level, Ochoa made 788 appearances, conceded 1,096 goals, and kept 194 clean sheets. For the Mexico national team, he played 154 matches and recorded 64 clean sheets.

Throughout his career, the Mexican goalkeeper was named his country's Footballer of the Year twice, won the Liga MX title, lifted the CONCACAF Champions League trophy, claimed six CONCACAF Gold Cups, won the CONCACAF Nations League, and also secured the Belgian Cup.

Despite his numerous club honors, Ochoa will be remembered above all for his performances at the FIFA World Cup, where he repeatedly emerged as one of the tournament's standout players and earned a reputation as a goalkeeper who consistently produced his very best football on the world's biggest stage.