Uruguay seeks Diego Forlán to lead U-20s and interim senior team role

Diego Forlán, the celebrated Uruguayan footballer, is being considered to take the helm of the national U-20 team and serve as interim manager for the senior squad. The Uruguayan Football Association is actively engaged in discussions with Forlán about this potential role.

Ignacio Alonso, president of the local football governing body, informed EFE that the successor to Marcelo Bielsa will be appointed by the end of the year or early 2027. Under this plan, Forlán would guide the Celeste through six FIFA international friendlies leading up to that period. He would also oversee the U-20 team's campaign in the South American championship next January, aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Forlán, born in Montevideo in 1979, boasts an impressive playing career that included stints at Spanish clubs Villarreal and Atlético de Madrid, England's Manchester United, Argentina's Independiente, and Italy's Inter Milan. His trophy cabinet features a Premier League title, FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, and Super Cup, among other honors.

He also had a significant tenure with the Uruguayan national team, participating in the 2002, 2010 (where he won the Golden Ball), and 2014 World Cups. Forlán was part of the squad that won the 2011 Copa América in Argentina, scoring twice in the final. As a coach, he previously managed Peñarol and Atenas.