Mexico's Renowned Goalkeeper Sets Remarkable World Cup Record

Ochoa is set to participate in his sixth World Cup (!) with the Mexican squad. He was a reserve and a youngster in 2006 (Germany) and 2010 (South Africa). Since 2014, he has consistently guarded the Mexican goal. In Brazil that year, he was the starting goalkeeper, even in the infamous match against the Dutch national team. He seemed poised to become a national hero with numerous saves, but in the closing stages, he was beaten by Wesley Sneijder and a penalty from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, which all Mexicans deemed unjust.

From the 2014 World Cup onwards, Ochoa was a fixture in goal, recognizable by his curly hair. He also featured in 2018 (Russia) and 2022 (Qatar). He is clearly aware of his impending record, as in all press photos, he poses with his hands gesturing to the number six, referring to the six World Cups he has been a part of. Ochoa is currently forty years old and will turn 41 on July 13th. Mexico could still be in the tournament at that point.

Ochoa isn't the only one reaching six World Cups. Global superstars Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) have also been so consistently excellent for decades that they are always called up for their national teams when the World Cup approaches. For all three players, this is likely their final act on the sport's biggest stage. Participating for another four years and remaining good enough for selection seems impossible. Although, as a third-choice goalkeeper, Ochoa might be granted that opportunity more easily than forwards Ronaldo and Messi.

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