David Ochoa Bio
David Ochoa (born January 16, 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Standing 188 centimeters tall, he is recognized for his reflexes and composure in goal. Born in the United States, he has represented multiple national teams at youth level and later switched eligibility to play for the Mexico national under-21 team.
Ochoa began his senior career in 2018 and has competed in the United Soccer League, Major League Soccer, and Liga MX. He has earned caps at U-16, U-18, U-20, and U-23 levels for the United States, and he also represented Mexico at the under-21 level following a one-time FIFA switch.
Early Life and Background
David Ochoa was born in Oxnard, California, to Mexican parents. He was introduced to the sport at a young age by his father, who also played as a goalkeeper. This early family influence helped shape his understanding of the position and laid the foundation for his development as a young player.
Ochoa played youth soccer with AC Brea, where he gained national attention at the 2015 Dallas Cup youth tournament. He helped his team win the U-14 tournament, and his performances drew attention from Mexican clubs Guadalajara and Monterrey, as well as American clubs LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.
In April 2015, he earned his first United States youth team call-up, joining the U.S. U-14 squad. He later spent time at the Guadalajara youth academy but was unable to play in competitive matches due to Mexican regulations that required his parents to be present since he was a minor. During his time in Mexico, Ochoa also trained with the Mexico U-16 team before returning to the United States and joining the Real Salt Lake Academy.
Path to Professional Soccer
Ochoa’s path to professional soccer moved quickly after his standout Dallas Cup performance. His success at the youth level and his training stints in Mexico positioned him as one of the more closely watched young goalkeepers in North America. Trials with clubs in England, Spain, and Germany followed, providing him with exposure to different coaching philosophies.
He ultimately signed his first professional contract with Real Salt Lake in 2018 and was loaned to the club’s developmental side, Real Monarchs. The move to Real Salt Lake’s ecosystem allowed him to continue his development within a structured academy and reserve system.
David Ochoa Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
David Ochoa appeared for USL Championship side Real Monarchs on April 22, 2018, in a 2–0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. His debut made him the second-youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the USL at that point, marking a significant early milestone.
In August 2018, reports surfaced that Ochoa was training with Manchester United, with additional trials planned with clubs from Spain and Germany. On November 28, 2018, he signed a contract with Real Salt Lake ahead of the 2019 season. He was loaned back to Real Monarchs for his first season and helped the team win the 2019 USL Championship with a victory over Louisville City FC on November 17, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2019, he also played in the MLS Homegrown Game during the 2019 MLS All-Star Game.
Real Salt Lake Breakthrough (2020–2022)
David Ochoa made his Real Salt Lake first-team debut on November 8, 2020, against Sporting Kansas City. The appearance signaled his transition into Major League Soccer competition after seasons of development with Real Monarchs.
During the 2021 season, Ochoa became a regular starter. He was fined for kicking the ball into the stands during an April 24, 2021, match against Minnesota United FC. He recorded his first Major League Soccer shutout on May 15, 2021, against Nashville SC, a result that helped establish him as a reliable last line of defense for the club.
Atlético San Luis Era (2023)
Following his time at Real Salt Lake and a brief spell with D.C. United in 2022, David Ochoa moved to Liga MX side Atlético San Luis for the 2023 season. The move represented his first experience in top-flight Mexican league football, allowing him to compete in a different league environment.
Los Angeles FC Era (2024–Present)
David Ochoa returned to Major League Soccer in 2024, joining the Los Angeles FC organization. He initially featured for Los Angeles FC 2 before being integrated into the senior squad at Los Angeles FC, where he continues to compete as a goalkeeper.
The move to Los Angeles FC gave Ochoa a fresh start in a competitive Western Conference environment. His progression within the club’s structure has provided him with regular opportunities to train alongside experienced goalkeepers and defenders as he works to secure a consistent role at the Major League Soccer level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant moments of Ochoa’s early career came on August 25, 2018, when he made multiple penalty saves in the final of the 2018 Vaclav Jezek Tournament to help the United States U-18s win the competition. He later helped Real Monarchs win the 2019 USL Championship, and he earned his first MLS shutout with Real Salt Lake in May 2021.
David Ochoa Career Wins
David Ochoa has accumulated notable team and individual accomplishments across multiple levels of competition, including trophies at the club level with Real Monarchs and at the international youth level with the United States.
Club Highlights
David Ochoa was part of the Real Monarchs squad that won the 2019 USL Championship, defeating Louisville City FC in the final on November 17, 2019. The victory represented his first senior club trophy and reinforced his reputation as a winning goalkeeper at the developmental level.
International Highlights
At the international level, Ochoa was a member of the United States U-18 team that won the 2018 Vaclav Jezek Tournament, a competition in which his penalty saves in the final proved decisive. He was also part of the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Finals roster with the senior United States team and previously competed in the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.
David Ochoa Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
David Ochoa was born in Oxnard, California, to Mexican parents. His father played as a goalkeeper and introduced him to the sport at a young age, a connection that helped shape his path toward the position. This family link to soccer has remained an important part of his personal story.
Personal Life
David Ochoa is a United States national who grew up in Oxnard, California. He maintains connections to both American and Mexican soccer cultures, reflecting his family heritage and his career choices at the international level.
2025 Season Performance
David Ochoa entered 2025 as a goalkeeper within the Los Angeles FC organization, continuing his integration into the club’s first-team structure after spending the early part of 2024 with Los Angeles FC 2. His training and match exposure within the LAFC system remain central to his development plan.
The 2025 season provides Ochoa with opportunities to compete for minutes and showcase his growth at the Major League Soccer level. His prior experience with Real Salt Lake, D.C. United, and Atlético San Luis gives him a broad tactical foundation heading into the new campaign.
Looking ahead, Ochoa’s focus remains on building consistency, contributing to the team’s defensive performances, and reinforcing his standing within the Los Angeles FC goalkeeping group as the 2025 season progresses.