What Happened to Memo Ochoa? Is Memo Ochoa Retiring? Is Memo Ochoa Playing Today?
by Sangamithra
Updated Nov 22, 2023
What Happened to Memo Ochoa?
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa faced a setback during the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Honduras. Not only did Mexico suffer a 2-0 defeat, but Ochoa also sustained an injury in a collision with an opponent, Anthony 'Choco' Lozano, just 22 minutes into the match.
Ochoa, who currently plays for Italian club Salernitana in Serie A, attempted to continue playing after receiving on-field treatment. However, he had to concede and was subsequently taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after the match. The Mexican national team revealed that Ochoa suffered an "acromioclavicular joint sprain" and "muscle edema" in his right shoulder.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be out of action for a minimum of two months, with recovery times typically ranging from eight to 16 weeks for this type of injury. Unfortunately, this means he will miss the crucial second leg against Honduras.
The hope is for Ochoa to recover in time for the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March, provided Mexico qualifies, or the Copa América play-in if they don't. In Ochoa's absence, Pumas goalkeeper Julio González, who has been in good form in Liga MX, has been called up as his replacement for the upcoming matches.
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Who is Memo Ochoa?
Memo Ochoa, whose full name is Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña, is a Mexican professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. Born on July 13, 1985, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Ochoa currently plays for Serie A club Salernitana and serves as the captain of the Mexico national team.
Ochoa began his professional career with Club América in 2004, winning a league title in his debut year and becoming the first-choice goalkeeper until 2011. He then ventured to Europe, playing for clubs like Ajaccio in France, Málaga, Granada on loan, and Standard Liège. Ochoa returned to Club América in 2019 before joining Salernitana in 2022.
Internationally, Ochoa has been a key figure for Mexico since earning his first cap at the age of 20 in 2005. He has represented Mexico in five FIFA World Cups, gaining recognition for his consistent and standout performances. Ochoa has also participated in FIFA Confederations Cups, Olympic tournaments, Copas América, and CONCACAF Gold Cups.
With five Gold Cup titles, he holds the record as the most successful player in the competition. As the most capped goalkeeper in the history of the Mexican national side, Ochoa boasts an impressive career with 148 appearances and continues to be a prominent figure in Mexican football.
Full Name
Guillermo Ochoa
Date of Birth
July 13, 1985
Nationality
Mexican
Position
Goalkeeper
Current Team
Salernitana
International Debut
December 14, 2005
Previous Teams
Club América, Ajaccio, Málaga, Granada, Standard Liège
Is Memo Ochoa Retiring?
Memo Ochoa is not retiring and remains the first-choice goalkeeper for Mexico. Despite facing an injury setback during the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final, Ochoa is determined to continue his career. The 38-year-old goalkeeper, currently playing for Salernitana in Serie A, has expressed his commitment to representing Mexico and has his sights set on participating in the 2026 World Cup.
Ochoa, who has been a key figure for the Mexican national team, aims to continue contributing his skills between the goalposts. Retirement is not on the horizon for Ochoa as he looks forward to the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
Memo Ochoa Career
Memo Ochoa is a prominent goalkeeper with a remarkable career in both club and international football. Starting with Club América in 2004, Ochoa quickly became a standout player, winning the Rookie of the Tournament award in his debut season. He played a crucial role in América's success, securing the Clausura 2005 championship, the 2005 Campeón de Campeones, and the 2006 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
In 2011, Ochoa ventured to Europe, signing with French club Ajaccio. Despite Ajaccio's relegation in 2014, Ochoa's outstanding performances earned him the title of Player of the Season. He continued his European journey with Málaga and a loan spell at Granada, showcasing his skills.
In 2017, Ochoa joined Belgian club Standard Liège, impressively becoming the Player of the Season in his second year. He then returned to Club América in 2019, making a significant impact, including reaching the Apertura championship finals.
Ochoa's international career is equally illustrious. Debuting for Mexico in 2005, he has participated in five FIFA World Cups, earning praise for his exceptional performances. He played a crucial role in Mexico's historic victory against Germany in the 2018 World Cup, making nine saves.
His achievements extend to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Ochoa secured five titles, making him the most successful player in the competition's history. Ochoa also won the Golden Glove award at the 2019 Gold Cup.
In 2022, Ochoa participated in the FIFA World Cup and, in June 2023, played a vital role in Mexico's ninth Gold Cup title. His stellar career, marked by numerous accolades and records, solidifies Memo Ochoa's status as one of Mexico's greatest goalkeepers.
Memo Ochoa Age
Memo Ochoa, born on July 13, 1985, is currently 38 years old. The Mexican goalkeeper has had a distinguished career spanning both club and international football. Known for his remarkable skills and consistent performances, Ochoa has represented Mexico in multiple FIFA World Cups and has achieved numerous accolades, including winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup multiple times.
Despite his age, Ochoa continues to be a key figure in the world of football, contributing to both his club, Serie A side Salernitana, and the Mexican national team with his experience and goalkeeping prowess.
Memo Ochoa Net Worth
Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa, the Mexican goalkeeper and free agent, boasts a net worth of $5 million. Recognized for his stellar performances with both the Mexican national team and various clubs, Ochoa left French club Ajaccio in 2014 after a successful stint. Despite being the third-choice goalkeeper at the 2006 FIFA World Cup at the age of 20, Ochoa has since become a crucial figure for Mexico, participating in tournaments like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Copa América.
In 2011, he faced a doping controversy, later proven unintentional. Ochoa's standout moment came in the 2014 World Cup against Brazil, making remarkable saves and earning him the "Man of the Match" title. Off the field, Ochoa has had relationships with Mexican actress Dulce Maria and model Karla Mora, with whom he shares a daughter named Lucciana.
Is Memo Ochoa Playing Today?
Memo Ochoa is not playing today due to an injury sustained during Mexico's CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final first leg against Honduras. The former Club América goalkeeper, now with Salernitana in Serie A, suffered an "acromioclavicular joint sprain" and "muscle edema" in his right shoulder.
This injury typically takes eight to 16 weeks to recover, ruling him out for a minimum of two months. Luis Malagón replaced Ochoa in the match, and the Mexican national team is preparing for the crucial second leg without him. The coach has called up Julio González as Ochoa's replacement.
What Happened to Memo Ochoa - FAQs
Memo Ochoa suffered an injury in a collision with an opponent, Anthony 'Choco' Lozano, just 22 minutes into the match against Honduras, leading to a 2-0 defeat for Mexico.
Ochoa sustained an "acromioclavicular joint sprain" and "muscle edema" in his right shoulder, which typically takes eight to 16 weeks to recover.
Ochoa is expected to be out for a minimum of two months, missing the crucial second leg against Honduras and potentially returning for the CONCACAF Nations League finals or Copa América play-in.
Pumas goalkeeper Julio González, in good form in Liga MX, has been called up as Ochoa's replacement for upcoming matches.
No, Memo Ochoa is not retiring. Despite the setback, he remains committed to continuing his career, aiming for the 2026 World Cup.