Brussels — It was one of those afternoons where the shadows of past triumphs lingered, weaving themselves into the present. Ricardo La Volpe, a man who has long been both revered and contested in Mexican football, found himself in conversation once again about the greatest goalkeepers in Mexico’s rich history. But this time, one name was conspicuously absent—Guillermo Ochoa.
For many, the omission of Memo Ochoa from La Volpe’s top five was nothing short of shocking. After all, Ochoa has been a beacon in the Mexican national team for years, with his remarkable reflexes saving Mexico on more than one occasion, particularly in World Cup matches that left a lasting impression on football fans worldwide. Yet, as La Volpe named his top five—Jorge Campos, Oswaldo Sánchez, Jesús Corona, Pablo Larios, and Pilar Reyes—Ochoa’s name simply didn’t make the cut.
The Guardians of an Era: La Volpe’s Personal Perspective
To understand La Volpe’s reasoning, we have to step into his world. It’s not just about the number of saves or the highlight reels—it’s about something deeper. As La Volpe told La Opinión, his criteria for ranking goalkeepers stems from their ability to control the area, not just stand under the crossbar and react. For La Volpe, being a great goalkeeper means cutting crosses, reading the game ahead of time, and becoming the first line of attack—qualities he feels are embodied by the likes of Campos, Larios, and Reyes.
But Memo Ochoa? According to La Volpe, he’s an outstanding shot-stopper but lacks in commanding the area in the way La Volpe values most. Ochoa’s talent for extraordinary saves—those moments where time seems to freeze as his hand darts out to push a ball wide—wasn’t enough to push him into La Volpe’s ranking.
La Volpe’s Top 5: Legacy of Giants
- Jorge Campos – It’s no surprise that Campos, a goalkeeper who defied conventions, tops La Volpe’s list. Standing at just 1.68 meters, Campos wasn’t what you’d expect in a traditional keeper, but his speed, anticipation, and, perhaps most importantly, his revolutionary ability to play as a sweeper set him apart. He was, as La Volpe put it, “ahead of his time.”
- Pablo Larios – Larios, another name that evokes memories of brilliance, had an uncanny ability to dominate his area. Whether catching crosses or rushing out to shut down attackers, Larios brought a calm confidence that helped his defenders rest easy.
- Pilar Reyes – Often overlooked in conversations about Mexico’s goalkeeping legends, Reyes was the foundation on which many of his teams were built. His positioning and understanding of where to be made him invaluable.
- Oswaldo Sánchez – One of the more recent names on the list, Sánchez was the heartbeat of the Mexican national team in the early 2000s. Known for his leadership and emotional connection to the game, Sánchez’s presence was often enough to inspire his teammates to push harder.
- Jesús Corona – La Volpe admired Corona’s versatility. Whether it was pulling off last-second saves or reading a cross and rushing off his line, Corona embodied the modern goalkeeper in many respects. His ability to combine athleticism with mental sharpness earned him a well-deserved spot in La Volpe’s top five.
Where Does Memo Ochoa Stand?
So where does this leave Ochoa? To his loyal fans, Ochoa’s exclusion may seem like an oversight—an injustice to a man who has given so much to Mexican football. After all, he’s been a staple for El Tri for over a decade, appearing in five World Cups and delivering iconic performances that will forever live in football lore.
But La Volpe’s list isn’t a snub, at least not in his eyes. His choices reflect his philosophy of goalkeeping—a philosophy rooted in control, composure, and commanding presence. And Ochoa, while undoubtedly brilliant in certain areas, falls short of these particular ideals. As La Volpe said, “Ochoa is a fantastic shot-stopper, but when it comes to managing the area, there are others who do it better.”
New Era for Goalkeepers: The Jorge Campos Legacy
When La Volpe talks about Jorge Campos, there’s a gleam in his eye, a sense of reverence. Campos didn’t just guard the net—he transformed the role of the goalkeeper. His style, almost anti-traditional, created a ripple that continues to influence how keepers are trained today. La Volpe mentioned that the modern game demands goalkeepers who can play as a “libero,” stepping up as the eleventh field player rather than staying glued to their line. “Jorge was that kind of player,” La Volpe said. “He wasn’t just reacting—he was anticipating, cutting plays before they even became dangerous.”
In today’s football landscape, where possession and building from the back are prized, the Campos legacy looms large. Many of today’s top keepers—Manuel Neuer, Ederson, and Alisson—reflect this shift in goalkeeping, acting as more than just shot-stoppers but as integral parts of a team’s tactical setup. And in this sense, Campos was a pioneer, blazing the trail for those who would come after.
Reflecting on the Future: Will Ochoa’s Legacy Stand the Test of Time?
Despite the omission from La Volpe’s top five, Memo Ochoa’s legacy is already cemented in the hearts of millions. His performances in the World Cup, especially in 2014 and 2018, are the stuff of legends. He’s become a symbol of resilience, a player who, despite the odds, consistently rises to the occasion.
But as the game evolves, Ochoa’s legacy may be viewed through a different lens. His brilliance as a shot-stopper is unquestioned, but the modern game asks for more from its keepers. La Volpe’s ranking highlights a shift in what we value in goalkeepers—less emphasis on reaction saves and more on anticipation, control, and all-around game management.
And perhaps that’s the question that will define Ochoa’s legacy. Will future generations of fans and coaches continue to celebrate his ability to produce miraculous saves, or will they demand more from their goalkeepers, looking for players who, like Campos, can transform the game from the back?
Legacy Worth Celebrating
At the end of the day, rankings like these are subjective. They reflect not just a player’s ability but also the era and the eyes through which they are judged. La Volpe’s list may not include Memo Ochoa, but it doesn’t diminish what Ochoa has done for Mexican football. It simply reminds us that football, like life, is full of different perspectives.
So, as we look forward to the next generation of Mexican goalkeepers, we can appreciate the different styles and legacies they bring. From the unorthodox brilliance of Jorge Campos to the reliable hands of Oswaldo Sánchez and the enduring resilience of Memo Ochoa, each player has left an indelible mark. In the end, it’s not about who’s better—it’s about the stories they’ve created, the memories they’ve etched in our hearts, and the inspiration they continue to offer.
