Diego Forlán appointed interim coach for Uruguay national teams

Diego Forlán, a celebrated former Uruguayan footballer, is returning to the national team fold as the new coach of the Uruguay U20 squad. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced Thursday that Forlán will also take interim charge of the senior national team as they search for a successor to Marcelo Bielsa.

"Diego Forlán returns home," the AUF stated on social media, confirming the ex-player's return to the Celeste. Forlán, born in Montevideo in 1979, boasts an extensive playing career that included stints at prominent clubs such as Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid, Manchester United, Independiente, and Inter Milan. His decorated playing career saw him win titles like the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and Super Cup, among others.

Internationally, Forlán represented Uruguay with distinction, participating in the 2002, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. He was notably awarded the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He also competed in three Copa América tournaments, winning the 2011 edition in Argentina where he scored twice in the final.

As a coach, Forlán previously managed Peñarol in 11 matches in 2020 and Atenas in the Second Division for 12 games in 2021. His primary objective with the U20 team will be to qualify for the 2027 U20 World Cup through the South American championship scheduled for January and February. His debut with the senior team will be in a friendly match against Japan on September 24.