'Makes me ashamed as a Mexican' - El Tri Legend Hugo Sánchez knocks Liga MX clubs for not signing Guillermo Ochoa, asking 'is this really the support our league gives?'

Guillermo Ochoa’s path to a potential sixth World Cup has hit a major roadblock. The Mexican goalkeeper, who parted ways with Portuguese side AVS this summer, remains without a club just 10 months before the 2026 tournament.

On Europe’s transfer deadline day, Ochoa was on the verge of joining Spanish second-division side Burgos CF. However, the deal fell apart in the final hours, leaving the 39-year-old without options in European football until at least December. Now, his chances of playing on the world’s biggest stage hinge on finding a team elsewhere, with leagues in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Australia still open for business.

Former Real Madrid striker and Mexican icon Hugo Sánchez expressed his frustration over the situation. He criticized Liga MX and the Mexican Federation for failing to support one of the country’s greatest players:

“It saddens me and makes me ashamed as a Mexican that we don’t help our own. Liga MX and the Federation should be finding a way to resolve this issue for Memo Ochoa,” Sánchez said on ESPN’s Fútbol Picante. “Is this really the support our league gives? We’re working against our own interests. We have the chance to make history with the only player to appear in six World Cups. Mexican football needs to step up, from Liga MX to Javier Aguirre and Rafa Márquez.”

At 40 years old, his options are narrowing, and back home in Mexico, no team seems willing to hand the former América, Salernitana and Ajaccio goalkeeper the starting job. Could he sign somewhere as a backup? Highly unlikely.

Before talks with Burgos surfaced, Mazatlán FC had also shown interest in the veteran goalkeeper.