Diego Forlan appointed Uruguay manager following Marcelo Bielsa’s exit | OneFootball

Uruguay have turned to one of their greatest-ever footballers to lead the national team into a new era.

Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Ignacio Alonso confirmed Diego Forlan will be appointed as interim manager following Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.

The former Atletico Madrid and Villarreal forward will take charge of La Celeste until March 2027, with the federation set to review his position thereafter.

Forlan’s appointment comes after Bielsa stepped down following Uruguay’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Despite arriving at the tournament with high expectations, Uruguay suffered a group-stage exit after collecting just two points from their matches against Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.

The AUF has opted against making a long-term commitment due to upcoming federation elections later this year, meaning a decision on Forlan’s future will be made after the interim period.

“The AUF Executive Committee chose Diego,” Alonso said (via Marca). “We met with him back in 2022 to bring him into the project. He is now very enthusiastic,”

The two-time European Golden Boot winner will oversee Uruguay’s fixtures during the September, October and November international windows.

Those games include early preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle, as well as any friendlies scheduled before March 2027.

Alongside managing the senior side, Forlan will also take charge of Uruguay at the 2027 South American U20 Championship.

The 47-year-old returns to the dugout with limited managerial experience.

He previously managed Penarol for 11 matches in 2020 and second-tier side Atenas de San Carlos for 12 games in 2021.

However, his legendary status within Uruguayan football gives him immediate authority.

Forlan was the star of Uruguay’s memorable 2010 World Cup run, scoring five goals, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and leading his country to the semi-finals.

Forlan built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted strikers of his generation.

His challenge now is to rebuild confidence within a talented squad and combine experienced figures with a promising new generation as La Celeste look to return to the top of football.