For more than two decades, Guillermo Ochoa has endured the pressure of defending the goal of the Mexican team. He has celebrated victories, suffered defeats and made saves that remain etched in the fans’ memories. However, none of those emotions managed to break him like a simple letter written by his daughter, Lucciana, did.
In a dynamic organized by FIFA and the Mexican Soccer Federation, The historic goalkeeper received a message that revealed the man behind the footballer. In an intimate atmosphere and with a broken voice, Ochoa began to read while tears appeared little by little.
“Dear dad. There are things that are difficult to explain with words and this is one of those moments,” the letter began.
Lucciana acknowledged that millions of people know her father for his World Cup performances and for a career that made him a reference in Mexican soccer, but she made it clear that for her, his greatest title will always be another.
“Many people know you for everything you have achieved in football. They talk about the World Cups, your games and all the years you’ve been playing soccer. But for me you are, above all, my dad,” continuous.
His words also recalled the price that this trajectory has had: endless trips, rallies and birthdays in which Guillermo could not be present to represent his country.
“Since I was little I have seen you represent Mexico with great pride. I’ve also seen all the effort behind that. The trips, the training sessions and the birthdays that you couldn’t be there because you were working to represent Mexico,” the letter adds.
Far from reproach, the young woman highlighted the teaching that her father left them by example: never give up.
“And even though it wasn’t easy at times, you never gave up. I think that’s one of the most important things you’ve taught us: keep going and do our best.”
The most moving moment came with the closing of the letter.
“Whatever happens in this World Cup, for us you are already a winner. “Not only for football, but for the person you are, for your effort and for the example you give us every day.”
And he finished off with a phrase that ended up completely breaking the goalkeeper.
“And although many people see you as a legend, I will continue to see you as my dad (and also my legend). We all love you very much and we are very happy and proud of you because we are going to win the World Cup together.”
With wet eyes and still trying to process the moment, Ochoa reflected on a life marked by the national jersey.
“Everything has been in a spiral for more than 22 or 23 years, where there has been little time for vacations, for family or to take them for a walk. “The Mexican National Team has always been my compass in my career and in my life.”
Then came a confession that sounded like a farewell and that moved those who followed the scene even more.
“I don’t understand my career without the National Team. I don’t know what my career would be without the National Team. “Now that I’m done with the National Team, I don’t see any more sense in football, I don’t see any more sense in continuing to play.”
With serenity, he assured that he leaves in peace with everything he has experienced.
“I have enjoyed every moment here, I have given everything, I have left everything. I leave in peace and with my head held high and proud to have lived through this,” he sentenced.