A true icon of the WC retires: He would appear every 4 years and delight the whole world

Curly hair held in place with tape, jersey number 13 and reflex defenses that defy the laws of physics. It is a picture that is etched in the memory of every football fan every four years. Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa is not just a goalkeeper; he has become synonymous with the World Cup, a cult hero whose career has been defined by the biggest tournament.

Početas legend

Although he was part of the national team since Germany in 2006 and South Africa in 2010, Ochoa was only an observer at those championships. from the bench. His era only started in Brazil in 2014, but the wait was worth it. The world got to know him in the group stage match against the powerful host Brazil. In Fortaleza, he played the game of his life, saving four incredible shots and securing a 0-0 draw.

His acrobatic save of Neymar’s header, pulled from the goal line, immediately entered the annals, comparable to the legendary parade of Gordon Banks against Pelé in 1970. That night, “San Memo” (Holy Memo) was born, the goalkeeper who turns into an impenetrable wall when he plays for Mexico. Croatian fans, unfortunately, remember him from the same tournament. In the decisive match for the passage of the group, Mexico defeated Croatia 3-1, and Ochoa, nevertheless, conceded goal, was safe and locked the door and sent the “fiery” home.

The phenomenon of the World Championships

The Ochoa phenomenon continued at the next championships. In Russia 2018, he was brilliant again, making nine saves in a historic 1-0 win over then-world champions Germany. His defense of Toni Kroos’ free kick, when he tipped the ball into the crossbar, is another moment to remember.

Čfour years later, in Catro, Mexico experienced a debacle by being relegated from the group, but Ochoa again had his moment of magic – he saved a penalty against Robert Lewandowski. Ironically, his club career never reached those heights. While he won trophies with the national team (seven titles with Mexico), he experienced three relegations from the league in Europe with Ajaccio, Granada and Salernitana. But that was not important. For him, the club season was always just a preparation for the one where he was the greatest, the World Championship.

Farewell in tears on the “holy ground”

The script for his farewell could not have been better written. Mexico made it through the group at the WC, and in the last game against the Czech Republic, they led 2-0. The Azteca Stadium, the temple of football where he made his debut for Club América in 2004 as an 18-year-old, started chanting his name.

Tens of thousands of fans chanted “O-cho-a, O-cho-a!” in unison, and coach Javier Aguirre, who left him on the bench in 2010, answered the nation’s prayers. In the 78th minute, Memo was ready to enter. As he stood by the touchline, his tears welledć came upon the eyes. The roar from the stands when he replaced Raúl Rangel was, witnesses say, louder than the one after the goals were scored. A volcanic eruption of emotions for the last twelve minutes of the legend’s career. Every touch he made with the ball was accompanied by cheers, and the stands chanted “Ole, Ole, Ole, Memo, Memo!” until the very end.

After the judge’s last whistle, memorable scenes followed. Ochoa approached one, then the other goalpost and kissed them, symbolically saying goodbye to the space he had saved for more than two decades. He knelt, covered himself, and his teammates surrounded him and threw him in the air while the legendary Mexican song “El Rey” (The King) blared from the loudspeaker. A perfect ending for a player who lived for the national team. After Mexico was knocked out by England, Ochoa cried once more. What about the sadness of relegation, what about the knowledge that he is leaving the Mexico jersey forever. Nevertheless, he will forever be remembered as a true legend of the most important football tournament in the world.