Uruguay appoint 'one of its greatest idols' as former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan replaces Marcelo Bielsa as head coach
Updated 06/08/2026 at 18:22 GMT+1
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Former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has been appointed as Uruguay’s head coach. The 47-year-old succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, who stepped down after they failed to qualify from the group stage at the FIFA World Cup.
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Forlan will take charge of his nation’s friendlies in September and October, while he has also been named coach for Uruguay's Under-20 team.
Uruguay’s FA said in a statement: ”Forlan 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 Espasandin and Diego Perez 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.”
The statement concluded: ”Forlan understands the meaning of representing his country like few others. His return reaffirms the Uruguayan Football Association's identity, ambition, and commitment to a project that combines training, experience, and a strong sense of belonging.”
Forlan scored 36 goals in 112 appearances for Uruguay, helping them win the Copa America in 2011 and winning the Golden Ball in their run to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals in South Africa.
He retired from international duty in March 2015, before ending his playing career three years later, after particularly memorable spells at Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
His coaching career has been limited to spells at Uruguayan clubs Penarol and Atenas.
Forlan’s predecessor Bielsa became Uruguay boss in May 2023. He won 15 of his 39 games in charge, and oversaw the aforementioned early World Cup exit.
Bielsa made an impressive start to his tenure in South America's World Cup qualifiers - winning away to Argentina and beating Brazil.
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Marcelo Bielsa, Head Coach of Uruguay, reacts during a press conference following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Uruguay and Spain at Guadalajara Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico
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However, Uruguay’s form has been patchy since the 2024 Copa America.
Last November they were thrashed 5-1 by the USA, while they struggled to cross the halfway line in a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley in March.
After their World Cup exit was confirmed following draws with Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde and a defeat to eventual winners Spain, Bielsa said: "I am responsible for this disappointment.
"Obviously, I don't need to define this performance... If you ask me how my time [with the national team] will be remembered, it is a tenure that left nothing behind.
"I leave nothing to Uruguayan football, because any contribution I might make to a country where I have worked for three years fails to take root if results aren't achieved."
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