Guillermo Ochoa, widely regarded as one of Mexico's greatest goalkeepers, has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a distinguished 22-year career.

The 41-year-old had previously stated that the 2026 World Cup would be his last tournament, but speculation swirled about a possible move to a new club.

He put those rumors to rest on Tuesday. "I gave it my all; I left everything on the field for my clubs and the national team, and today I hang up my gloves," Ochoa posted on social media.

Ochoa was on Mexico's roster for six World Cups – a feat matched only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He served as Mexico's starting goalkeeper in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

He made his top-flight debut with Club America in February 2004, spending seven seasons there before moving to French club Ajaccio in 2011, becoming the first Mexican-born goalkeeper to play in Europe.

His European career included stints with Malaga, Granada, Standard Liege, Salernitana, AVS, and AEL, punctuated by a three-year return to Club America from 2019 to 2022.

At club level, Ochoa won a league title with Club America in 2005 and the Belgian Cup with Standard Liege. Internationally, he led Mexico to six CONCACAF Gold Cup titles and an Olympic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020.

Source: www.aljazeera.com