Tuesday, October 6, the historic Los Angeles Coliseum will be decked out in its finest. Before the ball is kicked off for the highly anticipated friendly match between the Mexican National Team and its Chilean counterpart, Mexican soccer will pause to pay a well-deserved tribute to one of its greatest contemporary idols: Francisco Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa.
With an indelible legacy between the posts, “Paco Memo” has been a symbol of confidence, passion, and resilience for several generations. His curly hair flying through the air at the world’s most impressive stadiums has become a classic image of international soccer. To get in the spirit for this tribute in California, we’re looking back at his five most memorable performances in the green jersey.
1. The Wall of Fortaleza: The Spectacular Save Against Neymar (Brazil 2014)
Without a doubt, the image that immortalized Ochoa on a global scale. In the group stage of the 2014 World Cup, Mexico faced the host team in the sweltering city of Fortaleza. A lethal header by Neymar—lofted and skimming the post—seemed like the sure goal that would spark a Brazilian celebration. However, Ochoa charged out of his goal and flew to his right, clearing the ball off the goal line with a miraculous save that was immediately compared to Gordon Banks’ legendary save against Pelé in 1970. That 0-0 draw was, to a large extent, his masterpiece.
2. The Wall Against the World Champions (Russia 2018)
The 1-0 victory over Germany in Moscow is remembered for Hirving “Chucky” Lozano’s lethal counterattack, but it was Guillermo Ochoa who preserved the historic lead. With a total of nine saves throughout the match, his most notable intervention was a spectacular save with his opposite hand to deflect a free kick by Toni Kroos, which threatened to fly straight into the top corner. That afternoon, Memo shut the door on the German machine.
3. The Penalty Save Against Lewandowski (Qatar 2022)
Ochoa has a special connection with the World Cup, turning into a wall every time he hears the FIFA anthem. In Mexico’s debut against Poland at Qatar 2022, the match was extremely tense and close when a penalty was awarded to the Europeans. Face to face with one of the best strikers on the planet, Robert Lewandowski, Ochoa studied his opponent, guessed the direction of the shot, and dove to his left, sparking absolute madness among the massive Mexican fan base in Doha and keeping a clean sheet.
4. His Global Debut (2007 Copa América)
A very young Guillermo Ochoa proved he was cut out for the big international stage during the 2007 tournament held in Venezuela. In the group stage match against a Brazil team packed with international stars, Ochoa proved to be a true nightmare for South American attackers, displaying impressive cat-like reflexes on every save. His flawless performance secured a 2-0 victory that immediately put him on the international radar.
5. The Hero of the Penalty Shootout (2019 Gold Cup)
In the quarterfinals against the always tough Costa Rican national team, the match went to a dramatic penalty shootout after a hard-fought draw in regulation time. Ochoa, stepping up as the team’s leader and a guiding force in the locker room, stopped Keysher Fuller’s decisive shot with a spectacular cross-body save, sending Mexico to the semifinals in a tournament the Tricolor would go on to win just days later.
Guillermo Ochoa has not only been a goalkeeper; he has been Mexico’s savior in moments of intense media and sporting pressure. This October 6, the Los Angeles Coliseum will erupt in cheers for a true legend who defended the national goal with all his heart.
