England’s memorable 3-2 win over Mexico inside the Azteca Stadium proved to be the curtain closer for one seasoned international after announcing his immediate retirement
Mexico icon Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa has confirmed his retirement from football with immediate effect following their World Cup elimination at the hands of England. In one of the clashes of the tournament so far, Thomas Tuchel’s men pulled off a stunning 3-2 win inside the co-hosts’ home venue, despite being reduced to 10 men for most of the second half.
The Three Lions sparked emotional celebrations after the final whistle as they were serenaded by smatterings of white shirts in the crowd. At the other end, a poignant farewell took place.
Ochoa stayed true to his word, confirming that he would be stepping away from the game after a 23-year professional career. He was hoisted into the air by his team-mates after the game as he said goodbye to fans alongside his family.
Ochoa, who could be seen fighting back tears on the Mexico bench, told reporters: “My first game, Azteca. My last game, Azteca. It’s been a beautiful final chapter of my career. Thank you, everyone.”
The veteran goalkeeper, who turns 41 on July 13, announced prior to the tournament that he would be hanging up his boots following the conclusion of El Tri’s participation. It brings the curtain down on his illustrious career that saw him earn 153 Mexico caps, with 12 of them coming at World Cup finals.
Ochoa made over 425 appearances for Club America across two spells, etching his name in Mexican football history. In between that, he embarked on a tour of Europe that included stints with AC Ajaccio, Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS and finally AEL Limassol last season.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
Ochoa lost his spot as Mexico’s first-choice choice goalkeeper at the tournament, having previously held the No.1 shirt since 2014. However, he remained in the squad – his sixth appearance at a World Cup finals dating back to 2006 – as he used his experience to help guide Javier Aguirre’s squad through the month-long event.
Aguirre handed him one final farewell at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico’s final group-stage fixture against Czechia, having already qualified as group winners. He came off the bench in the 77th minute to replace Raul Rangel as they ran out 3-0 winners.
But he was unable to stop Mexico from bowing out at the last-16 stage, with England producing a mighty performance inside the Azteca.
Fighting against thunderstorms and an altitude of over 7,000ft above sea level, Tuchel’s men took charge of the game when Jude Bellingham scored a quick-fire double in the first half, before Julian Quinones grabbed one back on 42 minutes.
Jarell Quansah received a straight red card to put England’s position under question, only for Harry Kane to score from the spot on the hour mark. Mexico were awarded a penalty of their own after Kane was adjudged to have kicked his opponent inside the box and Raul Jimenez stepped up to reduce the deficit.
Despite applying late pressure to Jordan Pickford’s goal, Mexico were unable to find a leveller as England ran out 3-2 winners on the night. They condemned their opponents to only their third defeat there in 90 games and first-ever in a World Cup game.
They will face Norway in an enticing quarter-final tie on Saturday after the Scandinavian nation stunned Brazil 2-1 thanks to an Erling Haaland double.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login