Uruguay have ushered in a new chapter by appointing legendary forward Diego Forlan as head coach of both the senior men’s national team and the Under-20 side.
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) confirmed the appointment on Thursday, with the 47-year-old succeeding Marcelo Bielsa, whose spell in charge ended after Uruguay’s disappointing group-stage exit at the FIFA World Cup.
Forlan will begin work immediately, initially taking charge of the Under-20 team before leading the senior national side.
His first fixtures will be a series of international friendlies scheduled between September and November.
Announcing the appointment, the AUF described the former Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan striker as one of the country’s greatest football figures.
“Forlan returns to where he left an indelible mark,” the federation said in a statement.
“A role model, icon and symbol of an unforgettable generation, the best player of the 2010 FIFA World Cup returns to contribute his experience, leadership and deep knowledge of international football from the technical area.”
The decision marks the beginning of a rebuilding process for Uruguay following an underwhelming World Cup campaign.
Bielsa’s contract expired after the tournament, and the Argentine coach admitted he was unable to guide a talented squad to the level many had expected.
Reports in the local media also suggested that disagreements between Bielsa and several players affected the atmosphere within the team during the competition.
Forlan is regarded as one of Uruguay’s finest footballers.
During an illustrious international career, he earned 112 caps, inspired La Celeste to victory at the 2011 Copa America and won the Golden Ball as the outstanding player at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
At club level, he enjoyed successful spells across Europe, starring for Villarreal and Atletico Madrid after beginning in England with Manchester United before later joining Inter Milan.
Since retiring from professional football in 2019, Forlan has moved into coaching, managing Uruguayan clubs Peñarol and Atenas.
His appointment to the national team represents the biggest challenge of his managerial career.
The AUF believes Forlan’s wealth of international experience, leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game will help restore Uruguay’s status among the world’s leading football nations as preparations begin for future major tournaments.
