Norway returns to the World Cup after 28 years of absence

Historic victory in Monaco

Noel León became the second Mexican to win at the Monaco circuit, after winning the Formula 2 sprint race in 2026. The Campos Racing driver equaled the feat that Sergio Pérez achieved in 2010, when the category was still called GP2.

“Obviously, Monaco is one of the tracks that every driver wants to win. Winning Monaco is always very special,” declared Noel in an interview with EL UNIVERSAL Deportes.

Pérez repeated the triumph in the Principality already in Formula 1 with Red Bull, consolidating his legacy. León’s name is already inscribed in the history of national motorsport, but the Monterrey avoids any direct comparison.

No comparisons with Czech

Despite sharing that record, Noel is clear that his path is just beginning.

“To be equal to ‘Checo’… The truth is that I am not equal. He is great and has achieved many more things than me. Obviously, in the process, I have done similar things, I have won several championships, I have managed to win a race in Monaco, but – at the end of the day – he has already managed to be in Formula 1 and stay for many years. Really, I cannot compare myself to him. I am in the process,” said the Campos Racing midfielder.

The words of Jimmy Morales, general director of Escudería Telmex, pointed out Noel as a strong candidate to relieve Pérez in the future. The young driver receives that support with motivation.

“Having it come from the great Jimmy is always very good,” concluded Noel.

León continues his process in F2, while his victory in Monaco is already part of a select group of Mexican drivers who have conquered that stage.

The farewell of a legend

Guillermo Ochoa, historic goalkeeper of the Mexican National Team, announced this Tuesday, July 21, his retirement from professional soccer. He did so after having participated in the 2026 North American World Cup, his sixth World Cup tournament. With almost 21 years of career, the América youth player closes a cycle that made him a symbol of national football.

“I never imagined how far a dream could take me. Today I can only look back with pride and say: THANK YOU. Thanks to my family. Thanks to my teammates. Thanks to every fan who was present at every stage of the way,” he wrote on his social networks.

Ochoa also thanked the tricolor fans for their support: “I take with me the love of millions and the peace of mind of having given everything for Mexico. No one can take what we experienced from us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for so much.”

Indelible moments

He attended six World Cups (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and North America 2026), but played in four. In Brazil 2014, his debut as a starter, he stopped a Neymar header that seemed like a sure goal. In Qatar 2022, he saved a penalty against Robert Lewandowski, keeping the score at zero.

His last game was in North America 2026. Javier Aguirre called him up as the third goalkeeper, but gave him 18 minutes against the Czech Republic, in the group stage. He entered with the score 0-2 in favor of Mexico, replacing Raúl Rangel. Nobody knew then that it would be his farewell.

Ochoa leaves in peace, with the recognition of a fan that saw him grow from the youth ranks of América to shine in world soccer. His legacy remains engraved in the history of Mexican sports.

The farewell of an icon

Guillermo Ochoa, the Mexican goalkeeper who played in six World Cups, announced his retirement from professional soccer. At 41 years old, the goalkeeper who is the symbol of the Tricolor and multiple champion with América, shared the news on his social networks.

“I gave everything, I left everything… In my teams and in my selection. And today I hand in my gloves,” he wrote.

His career spanned more than two decades. From his beginnings in Coapa to shining in Europe with Ajaccio, Málaga, Standard de Lieja and Salernitana. In Mexico, he defended América in two stages and won League, Cup and Concachampions titles.

An indelible legacy

Ochoa was a starter in five consecutive World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and came on as a substitute in 2002 without playing. His performance against Brazil in 2014 and his saves against the Netherlands in 2014 are part of the collective memory.

In addition, he won the bronze medal at Tokyo 2020 as part of the Mexican under-23 team.

“My national team taught me the true size of this responsibility. And perhaps that is why destiny wanted everything to end where it began: the Azteca Stadium,” he said.

His farewell closes a chapter for Mexican soccer. He leaves a record of matches with the National Team (150+) and an example of professionalism.

“To whoever comes after, trust: the bow does not ask for perfection, it asks for pride,” concluded Ochoa.