The Uruguayan Football Association confirmed on Thursday the appointment of former Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United striker Diego Forlan as head coach for the Uruguayan national team.
Diego Forlan, 47, who is already working with the Uruguayan under-20 team, has been named head coach for the Uruguayan national team, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced on Thursday.
In charge of both teams, the former international striker will hold a press conference next Monday at the Estadio Centenario, as part of his official presentation.
A successful 21-year career as a professional football player came to an end in August, 2019 when he announced his official retirement.
Playing at the highest level of football, he represented Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, Villarreal and Penarol during his illustrious career.
Among his greatest achievements are the Premier League he won with Manchester United, the Europa League with Atlético de Madrid (2010), and the 2011 Copa América title with La Celeste, the country's fifteenth overall.
In 2010, he was voted the FIFA Golden Ball award for Best Player at the Soccer World Cup in South Africa, having guided Uruguay's campaign to the semifinals.
From professional football player, Forlan transitioned to coaching after signing a one-year contract with major Uruguayan team Club Atlético Penarol late in 2019.
The short stint lasted for 11 official matches but set off a new path for the elite athlete who, seven years later, takes over his national squad, starting a new chapter.
He succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, whose spell in charge of Uruguay’s team ended in the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointing result for the nation.