Why is Memo Ochoa Not Playing? What Happened to Memo Ochoa?
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Updated Jun 27, 2024
Why is Memo Ochoa Not Playing?
Guillermo "Memo" Ochoa, the legendary Mexican goalkeeper, is not playing in the Copa America 2024 due to a decision by coach Jaime Lozano. Lozano aims to bring in younger players and make a generational change in the team.
This means giving more opportunities to new talent rather than relying on experienced veterans like Ochoa. Additionally, Ochoa's contract with Salernitana, an Italian club, is expiring, and he needs to focus on finding a new club. To replace him, Lozano has selected three other goalkeepers: Angel Malagon from America, Jose Raul Rangel from Chivas, and Julio Gonzalez from Pumas. This move marks a significant shift for Mexico’s national team, emphasizing the development of new players for future success.
What Happened to Memo Ochoa?
Memo Ochoa was left out of Mexico's Copa America 2024 squad by coach Jaime Lozano to prioritize younger players. Additionally, his contract with Salernitana is expiring, prompting him to find a new club. This marks a shift towards generational change in the team.
Where is Memo Ochoa Playing?
Memo Ochoa is currently a free agent after leaving Salernitana at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He has been linked with a potential move to MLS side San Diego FC, where talks are reportedly advanced.
Ochoa, known for his stellar career with clubs like Club América, Ajaccio, Málaga, and Standard Liège, as well as his extensive international experience with Mexico, continues to be sought after due to his goalkeeping prowess and leadership qualities. At 38 years old, Ochoa remains a prominent figure in discussions about his next career move, potentially joining the growing ranks of Mexican players in Major League Soccer.
Who is Memo Ochoa?
Memo Ochoa, whose full name is Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña, is a famous Mexican goalkeeper . He started his professional career with Club América in 2004, winning a league title the next year. Ochoa played over 200 games for América before moving to Ajaccio in France in 2011. He later played for Málaga, Granada, Standard Liège, and Salernitana in Italy, and had a second stint with Club América.
Ochoa has been a key player for the Mexico national team since 2005, earning his first cap at age 20. He has played in five FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022) and gained fame for his strong performances. He has also competed in two FIFA Confederations Cups, two Olympic tournaments, two Copas América, and five CONCACAF Gold Cups, winning the Gold Cup five times, making him the most successful player in the tournament's history.
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| Full Name | Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña |
| Date of Birth | 13 July 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper |
Memo Ochoa Career
Here's a detailed summary of Memo Ochoa's career in chronological order:
Club Career
Club América (2004-2011)
- Debut and Early Success (2004-2005): Made debut at 18, won Rookie of the Tournament in Clausura 2004.
- First Championship (Clausura 2005): Won first league title and other domestic honors.
- Intermittent Success: Shared goalkeeping duties, won back-to-back Golden Glove awards (2006-07).
Ajaccio (2011-2014)
- Move to Europe: Signed with Ajaccio in Ligue 1, played over 100 games.
- Relegation Battle: Helped Ajaccio avoid relegation in debut season with key performances.
Málaga (2014-2016)
- La Liga Debut: Joined Málaga in La Liga, limited league appearances but notable performances.
Granada (2016-2017)
- Loan Spell: Played every minute for Granada in La Liga, despite team relegation.
Standard Liège (2017-2019)
- Belgian Experience: Became first-choice goalkeeper, named Player of the Season in first year.
Return to Club América (2019-2022)
- Second Stint: Rejoined América, achieved milestones and records including most clean sheets.
Salernitana (2022-2023)
- Italian Serie A: Helped Salernitana avoid relegation, named Player of the Season.
International Career
- Mexico National Team (2005-present): Debuted at 20, participated in five FIFA World Cups and numerous other tournaments.
- Successes: Won multiple CONCACAF Gold Cups, achieved acclaim for performances in international competitions.
Memo Ochoa Age
Memo Ochoa, born on July 13, 1985 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is currently 38 years old.
