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September 11, 2024

Memo Ochoa, 39, Joins AVS for Sixth World Cup Bid – Primeira Liga

Goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, now 39 years old, expressed optimism regarding his recent move to Portuguese Primeira Liga team AVS. He believes this new chapter in his career will significantly enhance his chances of being selected for the Mexican national team. Ochoa is setting sights on a remarkable sixth World Cup appearance in 2026. This milestone would distinguish him as a unique figure in international football. With each World Cup he has participated in, he has gained invaluable experience and solidified his legacy, and he is eager to continue building on that foundation.

Memo Ochoa is hoping to return to the Mexico national team for the 2026 World Cup. Youssef Loulidi/Fantasista/Getty Images

Ochoa’s decision to join AVS is driven by personal career aspirations and his unwavering commitment to contributing to the national team. He is fully aware of the competitive nature of the Portuguese league. He believes participating in such a challenging environment will help him showcase his skills effectively. By honing his abilities in a demanding league, Ochoa aims to ensure he remains in peak form and ready for the rigorous demands of international play. His determination to secure a spot on the national team underscores his dedication and passion for the game as he prepares to take on the challenges ahead in pursuit of this extraordinary achievement.

No male football player has ever participated in six World Cups, a testament to the tournament’s unique challenges and demands. As the competition has evolved over the years, the physical and mental toll it takes on players makes such longevity in the event quite rare.

In contrast, Brazil’s midfielder Formiga has set a remarkable record for the Women’s World Cup with seven appearances. Her achievements highlight her personal dedication and talent and the growing recognition of women’s football on the global stage. Formiga’s record serves as an inspiring benchmark for aspiring female athletes, showcasing the possibilities that come with perseverance and skill.

In his first 26-man call-up for the Mexican national team ahead of two September friendlies, new head coach Javier Aguirre excluded veteran players like Ochoa, Raúl Jiménez, and Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.

Mexico secured a 3-0 victory over New Zealand on Saturday. It will play against Canada on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The roster reflects the absence of the high-profile players previously omitted from the Copa América squad.

Ochoa expressed confidence in his ability to pursue a return to El Tri while also contributing to the Portuguese Premier League club.

“The other players have always spoken highly about the level of play here in Portugal,” Ochoa spoke about his Mexico teammates Héctor Herrera, Diego Reyes, Miguel Layún, and Jiménez.

“And for me the motivation is to continue to get to know this new league and to keep up the idea of making the Mexico national team in my hopes and to play in the next World Cup.”

The September matches mark Javier Aguirre’s first games in his third stint as head coach of the national team, having previously led them from 2001 to 2002 and again from 2009 to 2010. Ochoa, Mexico’s most capped goalkeeper with 150 appearances, is one of four Mexicans—along with Antonio Carbajal, Rafa Márquez, and Andrés Guardado—who have played in five World Cups.

Aguirre and his squad will take on the United States national team in a friendly match on October 15 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

In 2022, Ochoa signed with Serie A club Salernitana on a free transfer in January 2023 but departed at the end of the last season. Earlier this month, he joined Aves as a free agent.

AVS is currently in 11th place in the Portuguese league, with one draw, one win, and two losses from four matches played.

“I want to help Aves grow ,” he mentioned, expressing his hope to make his club debut soon.