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Mexico national team World Cup legend Guillermo Ochoa released a heartfelt statement as he gears up to represent El Tri in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, calling the opportunity "a privilege."
The 2026 World Cup will mark the retirement of 40-year-old Ochoa from the sport. The storied goalkeeper departed his club AEL Limassol in Cyprus one week before the season's conclusion to join El Tri's training camp. Upon his arrival, Ochoa shared a touching message as his journey toward a home World Cup got underway.
"Putting this shirt on was never routine ... it was a privilege," Ochoa wrote on social media. "Today, my final camp begins, but this time I see it differently. With my heart fuller, with more scars, more memories ... and the same hope as that boy that once dreamt of defending this badge.
"I've lived impossible nights, endless stadiums, anthems that still give me chills, and moments that changed my life forever. And yet ... every time Mexico calls, something inside of me starts again. Maybe passion measures years, but passion never learned to count the time.
"I'm home. I'm with my national team. And as long as the opportunity exists to fight for this country ... my soul will be there first."
Memo Ochoa Speaks on Retirement After 2026 World Cup
The beloved curly-haired goalkeeper has earned 152 caps for Mexico since making his international debut in 2005. After two decades of service, Ochoa has already confirmed he will step away from El Tri following the 2026 World Cup, and he hasn't ruled out a complete retirement from football as well.
"Maybe," Ochoa told TUDN when asked about retiring after the World Cup. "It's difficult, of course, but for me it won't be that difficult because I've enjoyed many years and at some point your mind and body say, 'we've given it all, you've given it all,' so you leave at ease, and that will be my case, leaving at ease, my body and mind are prepared.
"My family, my people, everyone is prepared [for my retirement]. It's been many years enjoying it, many years of beautiful things, so I'm just savoring these final moments."
The 2026 World Cup represents the pinnacle of those final moments, and Ochoa is already working under Javier Aguirre's guidance as the first non-Liga MX player to arrive at camp. His experience, leadership, and legendary status have not gone unnoticed by his El Tri teammates.
Mexico Players Pay Tribute to 'Iconic' Memo Ochoa
Mexico's World Cup camp kicked off on May 6, with 20 Liga MX players training under Aguirre—12 of whom have secured a spot on the final World Cup roster. Ochoa joined the camp this week as the first overseas-based player to report. For the younger members of the Mexico squad, the goalkeeper's presence carries enormous significance.
"Memo [Ochoa] is an icon for everyone," El Tri midfielder Erik Lira said. "To me he's an icon, because I grew up watching him with the national team. Seeing him is a privilege, an honor. He's going to experience it differently, because it's his last World Cup, so I imagine he feels like a kid again. It's an honor to share the locker room and pitch with him."
For Mexico striker Guillermo Martínez, simply being around Ochoa is an invaluable experience, as he views it as an opportunity to learn from a "world-class" player.
"It's tremendous to share camp with Memo Ochoa," Martínez said. "You can feel the energy, he's simply someone you look up to. You don't need to look far — the entire country admires him, and what he's accomplished is no small feat.
"Hopefully I can spend time around him, to understand what it takes to maintain those standards. He's world-class; having someone of his caliber is a positive for the team. We can learn so much from him."
Ochoa will look to challenge Raúl Rángel for the starting position at the 2026 World Cup, with the latter appearing to be the frontrunner for Aguirre's top selection.
Nevertheless, the 40-year-old icon is almost certain to make the final roster and join Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the first players in history to appear in six World Cups. Saying farewell to the sport at a home World Cup is the ideal send-off for the greatest and most iconic Mexican player in tournament history.