"If you look like Ochoa, get free pizza for a year": Mexico's unique 'Ochoa Lookalike' contest... even the player himself appeared, saying, "Next time, I'll be a judge"

*This content was translated by AI.

As Mexican national team legend Guillermo Ochoa (41, AEL Limassol) stages his 'last dance,' Mexico has even held a unique contest in his honor.

Reuters reported on the 5th (Korean time) that "a lookalike contest for Ochoa was held in Mexico City," adding that "participants competed for free pizza."

The event was organized by Mexican pizza restaurant 'Kansino' to commemorate Ochoa's sixth World Cup appearance. The living legend of Mexican football, Ochoa, stepped onto the World Cup stage for his personal sixth time through the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

In the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, Mexico's starting goalkeeper is junior Miguel Raúl Rangel (Chivas). However, once Mexico's victory in Group A's third match against Czechia became certain, coach Javier Aguirre substituted Ochoa into the game. That moment marked Ochoa's sixth World Cup appearance.

Many Mexican fans at the stadium then gave Ochoa a warm round of applause. After the match, his Mexican teammates celebrated his historic achievement by tossing him in the air.

Adding to the celebrations, a unique 'Ochoa Lookalike Contest' was also held. It was a scene showing how special Mexican football fans consider Ochoa.

According to reports, participants arrived at the venue wearing Mexican jerseys and imitating Ochoa's signature abundant curly hair and headband. The event's atmosphere was intense. Participants gathered from various regions of Mexico, including one who traveled all the way from the Philippines.

The prizes were also substantial. The participant who most closely resembled Ochoa received a year's supply of free pizza. The contest winner was Juan. He beamed with a bright smile, dressed in curly hair and a headband just like Ochoa.

Juan shared his thoughts: "It seems there are truly many people in Mexico who resemble Ochoa to some degree. That's why it's so wonderful that we could gather here together."

Felipe Fuentes, the restaurant manager who planned this event, explained: "We held this contest thinking of Ochoa. He is a player who inspires all of us." He added, "After seeing lookalike contests in New York go viral on social media, we prepared this event within 24 hours."

Even the main character himself appeared. As posts about the contest gained popularity on social media, Ochoa left a direct comment. Fuentes reported that "Ochoa asked if he could participate as a judge next time and requested that tequila (alcohol) be prepared for him."

As co-hosts, Mexico was placed in Group A alongside South Korea, led by former coach Hong Myung-bo, Czechia, and South Africa. With three consecutive wins in the group stage, Mexico advanced to the Round of 32 and then defeated Ecuador to reach the Round of 16.

This marked Mexico's first World Cup tournament victory since reaching the quarterfinals in their best-ever performance at the 1986 Mexico World Cup — an achievement accomplished after a full 40 years. Although Ochoa did not start as the goalkeeper, he accompanied the team and served as a veteran leader. Coach Aguirre expressed his gratitude to Ochoa for providing strength both on and off the field on multiple occasions.

Mexico now looks toward reaching the quarterfinals. On the 6th, Mexico will face England in a Round of 16 clash at Mexico City Stadium. Attention is focused on whether Ochoa's 'last dance' can continue further.

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*This content was translated by AI.