Uruguay have appointed former striker Diego Forlan as the new head coach of both the senior men's national team and the Under-20 side, the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) announced on Thursday.
The 47-year-old succeeds Marcelo Bielsa, whose tenure ended after Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup. Bielsa's contract expired following the tournament, and the veteran Argentine later acknowledged that he had failed to turn a talented squad into genuine title contenders.
Uruguay were drawn in a group with Cabo Verde, Spain and Saudi Arabia. They managed only two draws and suffered a defeat to Spain, resulting in their early exit from the tournament.
Uruguayan media reports also suggested that Bielsa's relationship with sections of the squad had deteriorated during the competition.
"Forlan returns to where he left an indelible mark," the AUF said in a statement.
"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."
Forlan will begin his new role immediately, initially taking charge of the Under-20 team before assuming broader responsibilities with the senior national side as part of Uruguay's rebuilding process.
Widely regarded as one of Uruguay's greatest footballers, Forlan earned 112 international caps and played a key role in the country's Copa America triumph in 2011.
He won the Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa after helping Uruguay finish fourth. Forlan scored five goals during the tournament, and his volley against Germany was named the Goal of the Tournament.
Since retiring from professional football in 2019, Forlan has managed domestic clubs Peñarol and Atenas, gaining coaching experience ahead of what will be his biggest assignment so far.
His first matches as Uruguay coach are expected to be the international friendlies scheduled between September and November.
