The debate surrounding goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa is intensifying in Mexico. Recently, Luis “El Matador” Hernández did not hesitate to criticize the veteran goalkeeper and ask him to leave the Mexican National Team.
He claims that he is “no longer a professional” and that his continued employment hinders opportunities for other young people.
The “Matador’s” statements
In an interview with El Universal Deportes, Hernandez was clear and direct:
“If Memo Ochoa was a professional, today he is no longer a professional, because the feeling of making history is more important to him than giving a young goalkeeper the opportunity to play in a World Cup.
These statements revive a debate that has gained momentum as El Tri moves towards the 2026 World Cup.
The former striker added:
“He doesn’t deserve to be in the national team. His best years are behind him. If not, let me play so they can put me back in, but no.”
Hernandez questions whether Memo Ochoa should keep a spot based on his track record and not just on current performance.
A cycle in doubt
Memo Ochoa has been called up to international tournaments since Germany 2006, starting in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Now, at the age of 40, his future with El Tri is in the balance.
Throughout 2025 there were reports of failed bids:
In Spain, with Burgos CF, he was given a medical check-up but did not sign due to controversial clauses.
There was also speculation of a return to Liga MX, but reports indicate that he was rejected.
These circumstances fuel the opinions of the “Matador” and other critics, who believe that the tricolor goalkeeping should be modernized with new faces.
The context of the Mexican arc
His best years are already behind him
Luis Hernández
The cycle for the 2026 World Cup has already been outlined:
The coaching staff is analyzing between Luis Ángel Malagón, Raúl Rangel and other emerging options to complete the goalkeeping.
Memo Ochoa’s inactivity and the lack of minutes in this stretch are working against him.
Although figures such as Miguel Herrera have shown sympathy towards Ochoa by pointing out that his experience still counts, the pressure to make way for the new is growing among media, fans and analysts.
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