Former Manchester United and Uruguay striker Diego Forlán has been appointed as the new head coach of Uruguay’s senior national team.
The 47-year-old will also oversee the country’s Under-20 team, taking charge of both squads as he begins a new chapter in his coaching career.
Forlán’s appointment follows the departure of Marcelo Bielsa, who left the role after Uruguay’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the South American side failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Confirming the appointment, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) described Forlán as one of the nation’s greatest football icons and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the country’s football programme.
“One of the greatest figures in the history of La Celeste will now take charge of both the Senior and Under-20 National Teams,” the federation said in a statement.
Widely regarded as one of Uruguay’s finest players, Forlán enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter Milan.
He was instrumental in Uruguay’s run to the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where he won the tournament’s Golden Ball as the best player after scoring five goals.
His immediate task will be to rebuild the national team following its World Cup disappointment while also developing the country’s next generation of talent through the Under-20 programme.
