A fabled Mexican goalkeeper could possibly be known as up for a record-breaking sixth World Cup this summer season.
Many followers will recognise him by the lengthy, curly hair, the black headband making an attempt desperately to restrain that hair, and the miraculous performances which as soon as noticed him dubbed the ‘Mexican Jesus’ as far away as Hong Kong.
Guillermo Ochoa, 40, stands an opportunity of constructing Mexico’s squad after their first-choice goalkeeper Angel Malagon ruptured his Achilles.
He has already been to the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, showing at three of them.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the one different gamers chasing a record-breaking sixth World Cup.
Exterior Ochoa, Messi, and Ronaldo, solely 5 different males have made it to 5 World Cups, and three of these have been additionally Mexican.
Guillermo Ochoa might go to a SIXTH World Cup with Mexico this 12 months after their first-choice stopper received injured
It’s not a certainty that Ochoa goes, as he’s locked in a battle with Tala Rangel, Carlos Acevedo and Carlos Moreno to squeeze into the three spots.
However there shall be clamour for him to be included within the squad, significantly provided that Mexico play all three of their group video games in opposition to South Africa, South Korea, and a presently undetermined opponent on dwelling soil.
He’s presently plying his commerce with AEL Limassol, who’re fifth within the Cypriot First Division.
Ochoa hasn’t performed for Mexico since 2024 and regardless of racking up 151 caps, this can be very unlikely he’ll turn into their document appearance-maker.
That honour belongs to Andres Guardado, who amassed 182 caps.
Ochoa’s most memorable outing was in opposition to Brazil within the group levels of the 2014 World Cup, the place he produced 4 world-class saves to disclaim Paulinho, Neymar (twice) and Thiago Silva once they appeared sure to attain.
The goalie is a hero again in his homeland and has amassed 3.1 million followers on Instagram.
He additionally acquired a status for reasonably eccentric behaviour. Final summer season, he reportedly discovered an ingenious option to bail out on a transfer to Spanish second division aspect Burgos.
The 40-year-old is a nationwide hero in Mexico bu presently in Cyprus for AEK Limassol
The medical was finished and Burgos had agreed a lot of the particulars with Ochoa’s camp, in keeping with Spanish journalist Sergio Gonzalez Pulgar.
Nonetheless, at that time, Ochoa apparently claimed that one level within the contract wanted to be modified, earlier than coming out for a scorching drink.
He by no means got here again and, regardless of ringing him, Burgos by no means heard from him once more. Simply over per week later, he signed for Limassol.
