Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay head coach

Diego Forlan, one of Uruguay's most celebrated footballers, has been appointed head coach of the national team, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa. The 47-year-old will also take charge of Uruguay's Under-20 side, the country's football federation announced.

Forlan, who scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay, including six in 10 at the FIFA World Cup, takes over after a forgettable 2026 World Cup campaign. Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage following surprising draws against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde.

A Legendary Playing Career

Forlan, nicknamed 'Cachavacha', enjoyed a distinguished international career. He claimed the adidas Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, finishing ahead of Wesley Sneijder and David Villa, and also won the Goal of the Tournament award as Uruguay reached the semi-finals. The adidas Golden Ball is presented to the best player at each World Cup finals, with the Silver and Bronze Balls going to the second and third most outstanding players.

He also scored twice in Uruguay's 3-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2011 CONMEBOL Copa America final. At club level, the Montevideo native played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan, among others.

Coaching Career and New Role

After retiring as a player in 2018, Forlan coached Penarol and Atenas in Uruguay and competed on the ATP tennis masters' circuit, including the 2024 Uruguay Open. Now, he steps into the national team role with immediate effect.

Uruguay will aim for their first Copa America title in 17 years at the 2028 edition, and they have already qualified for the 2030 World Cup as co-hosts. Forlan will have a strong squad at his disposal, including Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), and Darwin Nunez (Al Hilal).

Under-20 World Cup Ambitions

Forlan will also strive to guide Uruguay to next year's FIFA U-20 World Cup, co-hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. South American qualifying takes place in early 2027. Uruguay won the U-20 World Cup in 2023 but failed to qualify for the last edition. Forlan helped Uruguay finish fourth at the 1999 U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, a tournament that featured future stars such as Ronaldinho, Iker Casillas, and Xavi.