Forlán appointed as Uruguay coach

Montevideo (AFP) – Former international striker Diego Forlan was appointed as the new coach of the Uruguay national team, according to a brief statement issued by the local football federation on Thursday.

Forlan, 47, succeeds Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa, who paid with his job after La Celeste exited the group stage of the 2026 World Cup following three years in charge.

Forlan ranks third on Uruguay’s all-time top scorers list with 36 goals in 112 appearances, and was named the best player at the 2010 World Cup after leading his country to the semi-finals.

However, Forlan has limited experience as a first-team manager. Since his brief stint (11 matches) with Uruguayan first-division club Peñarol in 2020, he has managed only one second-division side, overseeing 12 matches the following year.