Uruguay's football association (AUF) has confirmed the appointment of Diego Forlan as the new head coach of the national team, with the former striker also taking charge of the Under-20 side. The 47-year-old succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, whose spell in charge ended after Uruguay suffered a winless exit from the group stage of the World Cup this summer.
Forlan, one of the most celebrated figures in Uruguayan football history, will begin his new role immediately, starting with the Under-20 team before taking charge of the senior side's upcoming friendly fixtures. The AUF hailed his return in a statement, describing him as a figure returning "to where he left an indelible mark," adding that he is "a role model, icon, and emblem of an unforgettable generation, the best player of the 2010 South Africa World Cup," who now returns "to contribute his experience, leadership, and profound knowledge of international football from a technical position."
The appointment comes as part of a broader rebuilding effort for Uruguayan football following a turbulent World Cup campaign under Bielsa. The Argentine tactician's contract expired after the tournament, and he did not seek an extension. In his final press conference with the team, Bielsa admitted he had struggled to shape a talented group of players into a unit capable of overcoming the pressure of the World Cup stage. Reports from Uruguayan media also pointed to friction between Bielsa and several squad members during the competition, adding further context to his departure.
Uruguay's World Cup campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia, a result that offered some encouragement before their form faltered. They were then held to a 2-2 draw by first-time World Cup participants Cape Verde, a result that left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread heading into the final group match.
Needing a win against Spain to advance, Uruguay instead suffered a 1-0 defeat, with the disappointment compounded by a red card for Agustin Canobbio in injury time. The result confirmed Uruguay's elimination at the group stage, marking a disappointing end to a tournament that many had hoped would see the nation return to the deeper stages of the competition.
Spain went on to enjoy a triumphant campaign, eventually lifting the trophy after defeating fellow South American side Argentina 1-0 in the final, a result that came weeks after Uruguay had already returned home following their early exit.
Forlan's playing career remains legendary in Uruguay, having earned 112 caps for the national team and playing a central role in the country's Copa America triumph in 2011. He retired from professional football in 2019 after a career that took him across Europe and Asia, featuring spells at Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Inter Milan, and Japanese club Cerezo Osaka, among others.
Since hanging up his boots, Forlan has gained coaching experience domestically, having managed Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas. His new role now places him at the helm of the senior national team for a series of friendly matches scheduled between September and November, giving him an opportunity to begin shaping the squad ahead of future competitive commitments.
The AUF's decision to bring back one of its most iconic former players reflects a desire to restore stability and a sense of identity to the national team following a turbulent period. Forlan's deep connection to Uruguayan football, combined with his standing as one of the country's greatest-ever players, has been widely seen as a symbolic and strategic choice as the federation looks to move forward from the World Cup setback.
Based on reporting from The Independent.