The Story of Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa

Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa is set to play in his third World Cup.  

 

How Ochoa has made a name for himself on the biggest stage in football. Ochoa earned call ups to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups for Mexico based off his performances for Club América.  

 

He didn’t appear in a match in either of those tournaments.

Then in 2014, Ochoa was named Mexico’s starting goalkeeper and earned a clean sheet in a 1-0 opening game victory over Cameroon.

Mexico faced hosts Brazil in their second match, a game that put Ochoa on the map.  

 

He made six saves, including an incredible stop from Neymar’s header as Brazil were held to a goalless draw.

OCHOA WAS UNREAL 😱 

(via @FIFAWorldCup)

Mexico reached the last 16 and he made three saves against the Netherlands before the Dutch were awarded a late penalty to win 2-1.

Following the competition, Ochoa signed a three-year deal with La Liga side Málaga. 

 

His career stalled as he only made a handful of appearances in two seasons before going out on loan to Granada.

In 2017, he joined Belgian side Standard Liège where he got regular playing time ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Ochoa showed that his 2014 performance was not a fluke.  

 

In Mexico's opening game against reigning champions Germany, he made nine saves and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

Mexico were knocked out in the round of 16, but Ochoa made 25 saves in four games.  

 

Only Thibaut Courtois, who made 27 in seven games, had more.

After the 2018 tournament, Ochoa played one more season at Standard Liège before returning to Club América, where he’s been the starter for the past four years.

At 37, this is likely the last chance Ochoa will have to showcase his superhero abilities to Mexico and the world.

(Story Courtesy of @brfootball)