Diego Forlan has been named as the new head coach of the Uruguay men’s national team, replacing Marcelo Bielsa.Bielsa, 70, left his post as head of the Uruguay team following his side’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup earlier this summer. The South American nation earned two points from their three group-stage games, being held to draws by Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before losing to Spain and exiting the competition.Uruguay have now moved to appoint Forlan as their new head coach, with the legendary former striker also taking charge of the Under-20s as well.“It will mark the start of a new era, with one of the nation’s greatest idols once again taking centre stage,” the Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) said in a statement on Thursday.“His return reaffirms the AUF’s identity, ambition and commitment to a project that combines development, experience and a sense of belonging.”Former Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan striker Forlan retired in the summer of 2019 after a 25-year career. The 47-year-old made 112 appearances for Uruguay, a number bettered only by Diego Godin (161), Luis Suarez (143), Fernando Muslera (137), Edinson Cavani (136), Maxi Perreira (126) and Martin Caceres (116). Forlan also ranks third in Uruguay’s all-time goalscorers list with 36 goals. He ranks behind Suarez (69) and Cavani (58).Forlan enters the role with minimal managerial experience. His two senior jobs both came in his native Uruguay and saw him oversee 11 matches in charge of Penarol in 2020 (where he won four games and lost four games) and 12 matches with CA Atenas, where he won four games and lost three times. He has not had a coaching role in senior football since September 2021.Forlan made his professional tennis debut in November 2024 at the age of 45. He had played on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) senior tour since his retirement from football. Earlier that year, Forlan told The Athletic that resuming the sport he played as a child had helped him recapture the adrenaline rush he felt on the football pitch.Bielsa, who had been in charge of the national team since 2023, previously said he and his coaching staff’s work would culminate at this World Cup and described the early exit as a “very painful” farewell.Aug 6, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms