Diego Forlán

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Forlán's international career was defined by his performances on the biggest stage. He scored 36 times in 112 appearances for the Uruguay national team. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he scored five goals and provided one assist, leading Uruguay to the final four for the first time since 1970. His efforts earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, a spot in the team of the tournament, and a share of the top scorer award. He also participated in the 2002 and 2014 World Cups. At the 2011 Copa América, Uruguay won its first continental title since 1995, with Forlán scoring two goals and providing one assist in the final. On 20 June 2013, in a match against Nigeria at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, Forlán became the first Uruguayan to win 100 caps. He was Uruguay's all-time leading top scorer from 2011 until Luis Suárez overtook him two years later in 2013.

In Their Own Story

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was Forlán's defining moment. He scored five goals, including a stunning volley against France in the group stage, and provided one assist. His leadership and clinical finishing carried Uruguay to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970. For his performances, he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, was selected for the team of the tournament, and finished as joint-top scorer.

Reader's Guide

Diego Forlán is a former Uruguayan forward who played in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014). His peak came in 2010, where he scored five goals and one assist, leading Uruguay to the semi-finals. He won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player and was joint-top scorer. At the club level, he won the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Shoe twice: first with Villarreal in the 2004–05 season (25 goals) and again with Atlético Madrid in the 2008–09 season (32 goals). With Atlético Madrid, he won the UEFA Europa League (scoring the decisive goal in the final) and the UEFA Super Cup, both in 2010. He also won the Premier League and FA Cup with Manchester United. After retiring as a player, he began his coaching career in Uruguay, managing Peñarol and Atenas in 2020 and 2021.

Did You Know?

• Forlán is the son of Pablo Forlán, who played for Uruguay at the 1966 and 1974 FIFA World Cups.
• He is the first player to win the Pichichi Trophy twice since Ronaldo in the 1996–97 and 2003–04 seasons.
• Forlán scored the decisive goal in the 2010 UEFA Europa League final for Atlético Madrid.
• He became the first Uruguayan to win 100 caps, doing so on 20 June 2013 against Nigeria.
• Forlán was Uruguay's all-time leading top scorer from 2011 until Luis Suárez overtook him in 2013.