Former Manchester United and Uruguay striker Diego Forlán has been named the new head coach of Uruguay’s senior national team. At 47, he will also lead the country’s Under-20 team, managing both squads as he embarks on a fresh chapter in his coaching career.
Forlán steps into the role after Marcelo Bielsa’s departure, following Uruguay’s lackluster performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team did not advance past the group stage.
In their announcement, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) recognized Forlán as one of the nation’s football legends and expressed strong belief in his potential to guide the country’s football programs.
“One of the greatest figures in the history of La Celeste will now oversee both the Senior and Under-20 National Teams,” the federation stated.
Forlán, celebrated as one of Uruguay’s top players, had an illustrious playing career with clubs such as Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan. He played a pivotal role in Uruguay reaching the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and earned the tournament’s Golden Ball as its best player with a five-goal tally.
His immediate challenge will be to revitalize the national team after its World Cup letdown while nurturing upcoming talent within the Under-20 program.
