Ochoa: “I don’t see any more meaning in football”
Ochoa, Messi and Cristiano; the only players to have gone to six World Cups. The Mexican goalkeeper, in an exchange with FIFA, opens up about his time with Mexico.
The historic Mexican goalkeeper Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña, who is living the dream of becoming, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, one of only three footballers to appear at six World Cups, is preparing to hang up his gloves once his participation in the tournament comes to an end. For Ochoa, there is nothing beyond El Tricolor in his career.
In the final two matches Javier Aguirre’s side played before opening their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, Ochoa featured in the second half against Australia at the Rose Bowl, where the Mexican goalkeeper received a special tribute. Barring a change of heart from Aguirre, it may well have been his final appearance for El Tri.
In the latest episode of Letters That Unite | FIFA World Cup 2026, published on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, it was Ochoa’s turn to take centre stage. Tearful and visibly moved, he read a letter from his daughter, Luciana.
“Even though a lot of people see you as a legend, I will always see you as my dad and my legend,” she told him.
Shortly afterwards, the Mexican icon reflected on what the World Cup and the national team have meant to him throughout his career, while also acknowledging the support of his family.
“The Mexico national team has always been my compass, my direction in both my career and my life. I can’t imagine my career without the national team. I don’t know what it would have been without it,” Ochoa said.
“Once my time with the national team comes to an end, I don’t see any more meaning in football. I don’t see any reason to keep playing. I have enjoyed every moment here. I have given everything and left it all on the pitch. I leave at peace and with my head held high, proud to have lived this experience.”
With those words, Ochoa made it clear that he intends to retire and bring his playing career to a close once the 2026 World Cup concludes.
“I’ll still see you as my dad, and also as my legend.”
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026
In the latest episode of “Letters That Unite”, Ochoa receives an emotional letter from his daughter, reflecting on his incredible journey with the Mexico national team and his legendary career at the #FIFAWorldCup.
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