By OkayGoal 
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 Forlán 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.
“Forlán 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 Espasandín and Diego Pérez as assistant coaches, Marco Mansulino as physical trainer, Ignacio Bordad as goalkeeping coach, and Gabriel Skrilec as video analyst.
La vuelta de la leyenda 😉 pic.twitter.com/cllfYv4aLC
— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) August 6, 2026
“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 América in 2011, and played a decisive role in the historic fourth-place finish in South Africa, Forlán understands the meaning of representing his country like few others. His return reaffirms the Uruguayan Football Association’s (AUF) identity, ambition, and commitment to a project that combines training, experience, and a strong sense of belonging.”
Diego Forlan Uruguay stats
During 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 record
Forlan 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 Forlan’s first match?
Diego Forlan’s first game in charge will come against Japan on September 24, before facing South Korea four days later on September 28.