Diego Forlan has been named the new head coach of the Uruguayan national team, taking the reins from Marcelo Bielsa. The South American nation crashed out of the World Cup last summer, and have opted to appoint the national legend moving forward. A statement said: The Uruguayan Football Association announces the return of Diego Forln to the Uruguayan National Team . One of the most important figures in the history of La Celeste begins a new chapter: he will be the head coach of both the Under-20 and Senior National Teams.Forln returns to where he left an indelible mark. A role model, icon, and emblem of an unforgettable generation, the best player of the 2010 South Africa World Cup returns now to contribute his experience, leadership, and profound knowledge of international football from a technical position.The new coach will begin working immediately with the under-20 team. There, he will lead a project aimed at developing young talent, supporting their growth, and strengthening their path to the senior national team. He will work with Santiago Espasandn and Diego Prez as assistant coaches, Marco Mansulino as physical trainer, Ignacio Bordad as goalkeeping coach, and Gabriel Skrilec as video analyst. His first challenge at the helm of the senior national team will come during the September-October international window, when Uruguay plays its FIFA friendly matches. It will mark the beginning of a new era, with one of its greatest idols once again at the helm.Having scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay, won the Copa Amrica in 2011, and played a decisive role in the historic fourth-place finish in South Africa, Forln understands the meaning of representing his country like few others. His return reaffirms the Uruguayan Football Associations (AUF) identity, ambition, and commitment to a project that combines training, experience, and a strong sense of belonging.Table of ContentsDiego Forlan Uruguay statsDiego Forlan club recordUruguay fixtures: When is Diego Forlans first match?Diego Forlan Uruguay statsDuring his playing days, Forlan earned 112 caps for Uruguay, scoring 36 goals.He won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup during a strong period for the national team.Diego Forlan club recordForlan made over 500 professional appearances during his career between 1997 and 2018.That included spells at Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Villarreal.Uruguay fixtures: When is Diego Forlans first match?Diego Forlans first game in charge will come against Japan on September 24, before facing South Korea four days later on September 28. Topics Atletico Madrid Darwin Nunez Federico Valverde Inter Milan Manchester United F.C. Manuel Ugarte Uruguay National Football Team Villarreal CF World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Yan Diomande: Real Madrid complete �107m transfer deal for Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Ben Miller 6th August, 2026 Brightons Baleba to miss start of the season with injury and closes door on Manchester United move Mitch Fretton 6th August, 2026 FIFA backs Infantino in vow over World Cup Ben Miller 5th August, 2026 August in the Premier League: Five key fixtures to watch Tom Rostance 4th August, 2026 Jadon was not on trial with the club: Non-league Flixton deny Sancho transfer rumour Cian Cheesbrough 3rd August, 2026 One position every Premier League club still needs to strengthen in before the transfer window closes Mitch Fretton 2nd August, 2026
