From a young age, Guillermo Ochoa was always drawn to pushing boundaries. Raised by parents who supported their family through their bakery business, he developed his passion for goalkeeping under the influence of his idol, the legendary Peter Schmeichel. Ochoa’s incredible reflexes and heroic saves at multiple FIFA World Cups have earned him a special place in the hearts and soul of Mexican football fans, many of whom see him as a goalkeeping legend. Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in Mexico’s history, his contributions to the sport have solidified his status as a true icon.
Did you know that when you type Guillermo Ochoa’s name into Google, one of the top suggestions is “Ochoa six fingers”? This reflects the admiration for his incredible goalkeeping abilities, often showcased during FIFA World Cups. Fans joke that he’s a goalkeeper who only emerges for the big stage, disappearing and reappearing every four years.
A trip down FIFA World Cup memory lane wouldn’t be complete without recalling Ochoa’s standout performances, especially during the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where his phenomenal saves captivated not just Mexican supporters but football fans around the globe.
Preamble:
While researching this remarkable goalkeeper, we noticed a surprising gap in the available information. Many fans haven’t had the chance to read a detailed account of Guillermo Ochoa’s life story, which is truly captivating. This article offers an in-depth analysis of the Goalkeeper’s journey, covering everything from his childhood and early life to his family background.
You’ll learn about his parents, Guillermo Ochoa Sánchez and Natalia Magaña Orozco, as well as his sister Ana Laura Ochoa Magaña, wife Karla Mora, and children, Luciana and Luciano Ochoa. We hope this biography will capture your interest as we share Ochoa’s inspiring story—from his early days in Guadalajara to becoming a national hero. To set the stage, let’s start with a photo gallery that showcases his journey from a young talent to a beloved figure in Mexican football.
Guillermo Ochoa Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the nickname ‘Momo.’ His Full name is Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña.
The Mexican Goalkeeper was born on the 13th day of July 1985 to his Mother, Natalia Magaña Orozco, and Father, Guillermo Ochoa Sánchez.
His birthplace is Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Have you seen this rare childhood photo of Ochoa?
Guillermo Ochoa is one among other siblings (a sister) born to the union between his parents. We have pictured them here (together with Ochoa’s kids).
On this day, the Goalie revealed he couldn’t stop thanking his Dad and Mum for helping him achieve this much in life.
Growing-Up Years:
Our research shows the Legendary Goalkeeper spent his childhood years alongside a female sibling.
Ana Laura Ochoa Magaña is Guillermo Ochoa’s sister. Research results available to us show that she, like her older brother, is into sports. Ana Laura Ochoa Magaña is a Tennis player.
Guillermo Ochoa Early Life:
The youngster from Jalisco had always got this cute childhood look that had a mixture of innocence and happiness.
In the early years, everyone who knew Ochoa saw him as a cheerful, sweet boy with a sunny life disposition. Guillermo was born with a passion for the round leather (football).
Just as how the Mexican Goalkeeper (years later) was able to influence many, he (since childhood) modelled his game and style around one great predecessor.
The person whom Guillermo Ochoa idolized is no other than the legendary Peter Schmeichel (Kasper Schmeichel‘s Dad).
Not many football fans know that Ochoa’s biggest childhood hero was the Manchester United Legend.
The truth is, Guillermo Ochoa learned his goalkeeping trade by watching videos of Peter’s heroics, which happened during Alex Ferguson‘s early years in management. Today, both Goalkeeping Legends find time to meet and chart.
Guillermo Ochoa Family Background:
The Shot stopper hails from a middle-class home. We found that Guillermo Ochoa’s parents used to run a bakery back in the day.
This business was the primary means of his family’s sustenance. Little Ochoa and his sister (Ana Laura) helped their parents in their bakery business.
When you think of one way to describe the household of the Mexican Goalkeeping Legend, it is the words “Very close knitted”.
Guillermo Ochoa’s parents once operated a middle-class family before football from their Celebrity son elevated their household. Now, let’s introduce you to the united family.
You can easily see from the above photo that the bond that links members of Guillermo Ochoa’s family is not just one of blood.
Rather, one that denotes support, joy and respect in each other’s life. The household of the Goalkeeper never lacks in terms of the support they have for one another.
Family Life:
The Mexican World Class Goalkeeper had the opportunity to join some of the biggest soccer clubs in Europe. He could care less about acquiring flashy cars, displaying big houses (mansions) or the millions that go into his bank account.
Playing his club football in Mexico allows him to spend time with family members. Now, let’s tell you more about them.
Guillermo Ochoa Father:
Sánchez, as of 2022, is a Sexagenarian and a perfect gentleman who celebrates his birthday every 8th of July.
He ensures the tradition of the name (Guillermo Ochoa) is transferred from one generation to another (himself to his grandson). Have you noticed all three family members bear this name?
Guillermo Ochoa Sánchez is a family man who is very passionate about the moments he spends with his grandchildren.
This man, whose birthday falls during World Cup seasons, has attained best-friend status with Lucciana, his granddaughter.
Guillermo Ochoa Mother:
Natalia Magaña Orozco and her husband once sustained their home through their family business, a bakery.
Today, Guillermo Ochoa’s Mum is glad to see him (who she describes as a working miracle) uplift the family’s financial status. Great Mexican Mums have produced soccer Legends, and Natalia is no exception.
Guillermo Ochoa Sister:
Ana Laura Ochoa Magaña was born on the 2nd day of February 1988. She, who is three years younger than her brother, is a tennis player who plays single. According to records from TennisExplorer, Guillermo Ochoa’s Sister was more active in tennis around 2005 and 2006.
Guillermo Ochoa Family Origin:
From both his mother’s and father’s sides, the Mexican Goalkeeper has two nationalities. Guillermo Ochoa has his family origins in Spain and Mexico, the country he represents in soccer.
Find below a map of where he comes from. Guadalajara is a metropolis in western Mexico and also the capital of the state of Jalisco.
Ethnicity:
Guillermo Ochoa is a Mexican Spanish, which is, by far, the largest language group in Mexico. This ethnic group has varieties of dialects and sociolects of the Spanish language, which is spoken mostly in Mexican territory.
Guillermo Ochoa Education:
About his schooling, it pleases us to tell you that the Mexican Goalkeeper (unlike most of his colleagues) is a graduate.
Guillermo Ochoa has a bachelor’s Degree in Football Management. This is an online programme he took from the prestigious Johan Cruyff Institute.
Guillermo Ochoa Biography – Football Story:
Águilas del América raised him to become a good and competitive Goalkeeper. In 2005, young Ochoa graduated from the football school of the club based in Mexico City.
There was no holding him back after graduation as he immediately began to win honours for the club.
In the first season of being a professional, Guillermo Ochoa began collecting trophies. He helped América win the Mexican Primera División (Clausura 2005) as well as the Campeón de Campeones (2005). In the following season, his team won the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
At the time he won the above club honours, he became known (nationally) as the Best Rockie of the Mexican Primera División.
It didn’t end there; he also received the rare individual accolade of the Mexican Primera División Golden Glove award.
Road to Fame Story:
As one of the brightest young Goalkeepers in his country, fans weren’t surprised to see him make his name on the list of players selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
In that World Cup tournament, Ochoa lived under the shadows of two other goalkeepers who got called to the competition.
After the 2006 World Cup, newly appointed manager Hugo Sánchez promoted Ochoa as a deputy Goalkeeper to Mexico’s former number one, Oswaldo Sánchez.
In the quest to claim the top spot, the young Goalkeeper tapped into every opportunity to prove his worth.
The early signs of his rise came when Guillermo was named among the best players in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. That year 2009, the youngster, who had just celebrated the InterLiga trophy, had gained favour to become the number one Goalkeeper for his country.
In the 2010 World Cup qualification matches, Guillermo Ochoa, who played in most of the matches, displaced Oswaldo Sánchez to become Mexico’s first-choice Goalkeeper.
Sadly, Ochoa, who did most of the work in helping Mexico qualify for the 2010 World Cup, faced disappointment. His name was controversially placed as a backup goalkeeper to the veteran Óscar Pérez.
Javier Aguirre, the coach who made that decision, came under heavy criticism for his refusal to justify his actions. In fact, Guillermo Ochoa and Manchester United striker Javier Hernández were the biggest victims of the coach’s decisions. Javier Aguirre resigned after the 2010 World Cup.
Guillermo Ochoa Bio – Success Story:
After the disappointment in the selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Goalkeeper decided to continue his career abroad.
Guillermo Ochoa joined AC Ajaccio, a French football club in Ajaccio city, on the island of Corsica. While there, he was voted twice by fans as the club’s Player of the Season.
In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, there was no Goalkeeper to compete with Ochoa as Mexico’s first choice.
The Shot Stopper announced his name on the global stage in that tournament. Ochoa made exceptional saves, especially against Luka Modric‘s Croatia and Neymar‘s Brazil. Have you watched the saves Ochoa made at the 2014 FIFA World Cup?
Cementing his Legacy in Football:
After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Guillermo Ochoa began a quest to cement his Legacy. One way he thought of doing that was to acquire more trophies and individual honours for his cabinet. First, his move to Standard Liège saw him helping the club win the Belgian Cup.
With the Mexican national team, Ochoa and Héctor Herrera inspired a CONCACAF Gold Cup win in 2015. Winning the Standard Liège Player of the Season gave him the confidence to perform in the 2018 World Cup.
Ochoa (again) made unbelievable saves in Russia in 2018. Mexico also saw the rise of superstars like Raúl Jiménez (CF), Edson Álvarez and Hirving Lozano.
Guillermo Ochoa was in the form of his life in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. As many fans said, he was a man who fell off the edge of the Earth after each World Cup and then reappeared for the next.
Watch the Russia 2018 World Cup saves that made Ochoa the most underrated goalkeeper alive.
Road to Qatar 2022:
More trophies followed another 2018 FIFA World Cup. In 2019, the Mexican Goalie won the CONCACAF Gold Cup alongside a host of superstars like Orbelín Pineda (CM), Uriel Antuna, Alexis Vega, etc. Before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Guillermo Ochoa has added a total of 10 trophies to his cabinet.
Among the honours he has achieved throughout his life, there is one that truly stands out. Club America of Mexico recognizes Guillermo Ochoa as their only goalkeeper with the most zero goals in their decades of history. For the Mexican Legend, it felt great to receive this honour in front of his wife and daughters.
At the time of writing Guillermo Ochoa’s Biography, he (as fans would say) is set to appear again from nowhere to Boss the Goalkeeping department of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In fact, there is no argument for the fact that Ochoa has the most memorable performance by a goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup. The rest, as we say, of the Goalkeeper’s Biography is now history.
Guillermo Ochoa’s Wife:
Football fans accuse him of disappearing from football and appearing only at the World Cup – which is every four years. For those who are close to him, Ochoa always makes himself available for some sets of people. Now, let’s introduce you to Karla Mora, who is one of them.
About Karla Mora:
To start with, she, like her husband, has Mexican nationality. According to data available to us, Karla Mora became Guillermo Ochoa’s girlfriend on the 15th day of October 2009. Both lovers keep this day to celebrate their togetherness.
After eight years of dating, Guillermo Ochoa (just before the 2018 World Cup) proposed to his girlfriend.
The lovers got married in 2017, which was just around the time he moved to Standard Liège (the Belgian professional football club).
Guillermo Ochoa’s Children with Karla Mora:
As of 2022, both lovers are proud parents of three children – two girls and a boy. Guillermo Ochoa’s daughter (the first child) is Lucciana.
The last child (a son) bears the same name as his father. Here is the photo of the full family at their home garden in Mexico City.
From what we’ve gathered, Lucciana celebrates her birthday every 9th day of February. On this particular occasion, she celebrated her 6th birthday in 2019. By implication, it means Her Dad and Mum had her in 2013 – four years before they got married (in 2017).
Personal Life:
Away from football, who is Guillermo Ochoa?
Cuteness and charm are what people perceive when rating a man’s attractiveness. But while we add other personal attributes like intelligence to the field of play, the most perceived handsomeness is seen.
This is the case of Guillermo Ochoa, who is arguably one of the most handsome goalkeepers alive.
Workout routine:
One of the Mexican Goakeeper’s favourite quotes is no other than ‘Be the best version of yourself‘. More so, Ochoa believes the concept of ‘Change begins with you‘.
Away from Goalkeeping, he spends lots of time doing the right workout routines and improving his mental health.
The Mexican goalkeeper workout routines are vast, and it goes beyond just pulling (to gain muscle and strength), including lifting weights.
Ochoa also enjoys cardiovascular training. He does a special kind of workout, which delivers tiny pulses of electricity to his muscles.
Guillermo Ochoa Lifestyle:
Speaking of the way he lives, the Mexican Goalkeeper is someone who dedicates the best part of his time to his family. As we discuss Guillermo Ochoa’s Lifestyle, you’ll get to know about his leisure activities with his wife and kids.
First, he loves to take his wife and kids to the Star Wars (Galaxy’s Edge Theme Park area).
Guillermo Ochoa’s wife and kids are great fans of the famous Walt Disney World Resort situated in Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista of Florida. This is also one of their favourite entertainment resort complex, where Lucciana and her siblings enjoy great moments with their parents.
Untold Facts:
In the final phase of Guillermo Ochoa’s Biography, we’ll tell you truths you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
The issue with Jack Grealish:
As reported by DailyMail Football, Manchester City’s 2022 pre-season friendly against Club American once turned into chaos.
It all started in the 24th minute when Jack Grealish came to blows with Guillermo Ochoa. The quick intervention of Julian Alvarez helped to doze the tension between the two.
Guillermo Ochoa Salary:
The contract he agreed with Club América sets him as the club’s highest-paid player with an annual wage of $4,460,808. Crunching down Ochoa’s wages into smaller numbers, we have the following (source: SalarySport);
How rich is the Goalkeeper?
Where Guillermo Ochoa’s family comes from (Guadalajara), the average person earns around $278,634 (MXN) per year. Do you know?… Such a person would need 26 years to make the Goalkeeper’s Club América wages.
Guillermo Ochoa FIFA:
At the age of 36, Momo (who has something in common with Gianluigi Buffon) enjoys a wealth of positive ratings both in the game and in real life. As noticed here, Goalkeeping diving, positioning, and reflexes are his most valuable assets.
Guillermo Ochoa Religion:
Memo (as they call him) was born and raised in a devout Christian home by Catholic parents. During Christmas celebrations, he and Karla take their little kids to go visit Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas.
The celebrity Goalkeeper joins around 80% of Mexican people who identify with the Catholic religious faith.
He joins a Football Legend at Toyko 2020:
That person is no other than Dani Alves. The Brazilian soccer legend, alongside Guillermo Ochoa, was the oldest person to participate in that football event. Ochoa helped his country achieve the third position, which came with an Olympic Bronze Medal.
EndNote:
Popularly known as Ochoa, his full name are Francisco Guillermo Ochoa Magaña. The Mexican Goalkeeper bears the nickname ‘Memo.’ He celebrates his birthday every 13th day of July 1985. With this birth date, it implies the Goalkeeper is of the Cancer zodiac sign (similar to Mikel Merino).
Ochoa was born to his Dad, Guillermo Ochoa Sánchez, and Mum, Natalia Magaña Orozco in Guadalajara, Mexico. He spent his childhood years alongside his younger sister, named Ana Laura Ochoa Magaña. According to our research, Guillermo Ochoa’s sister is a tennis player.
Like many Mexican athletes, Guillermo Ochoa’s parents raised him in the Catholic Christian faith. As a little boy, all he wanted was to become a professional footballer (a Goalkeeper), and he idolized the great Peter Schmeichel.
Guillermo Ochoa was raised in a middle-class family background by parents who did bakery business. He rose through the youths of Club América, a club that later boasted of having the likes of the Argentine starlet Guido Rodríguez. Ochoa became a professional in 2004.
Career Summary:
Following an initial struggle to become Mexico’s first-choice goalkeeper, young Ochoa finally made it in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In that tournament, he (thanks to a series of thrilling performances) instantly became a fans’ goalkeeper favourite. Ochoa, again, repeated his heroic display at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Aside from the World Cup, Guillermo has also excelled in other tournaments for his club and country. As I write this Bio, he holds a total of 10 trophies across the clubs he has played for. Again, Ochoa has a total of 20 national and club individual honours to his name. No wonder the Guardian has referred to him as a goalkeeper of substance who, as of 2024, is bidding for his 6th World Cup.
The Mexican Goalkeeper, whom football fans have accused of disappearing and appearing only during the World Cup, is a proud father of three children.
A son and two daughters (Luciano, Luciana, and one other). Guillermo Ochoa, who hopes to excite fans again in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is happily married to his wife, Karla Mora.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Guillermo Ochoa’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our quest to deliver you North and South American Soccer Stories. Ochoa’s Bio is part of our collection of Mexican Soccer Stories.
Please reach us via comments if you notice anything that doesn’t appear right in this article about Guillermo. Also, give us your perception of the Legendary Mexico Goalkeeper who makes the FIFA World Cup an exciting tournament to watch.
Aside from Guillermo Ochoa’s Bio, we’ve got other great American Football Stories for you. The Life History of Uruguay’s Ronald Araujo and Canada’s Sam Adekugbe will excite you.