Over the years football has gifted us with many heroes. Heroes who wear a jersey and shorts instead of a cape. Growing up these people are the inspiration of every little one. They become a model for them. Someone who they want to replicate for themselves. One such, was Diego Forlan. The 2010 FIFA world cup golden ball winner. And a legend of the beautiful Latin American Uruguay.
Forlan’s senior football career began for an Argentine side, Independiente. He had an impressive start there. And by that he attracted Europe. Then the young Uruguayan joined Manchester United in 2002. Diego Forlan suffered a very slow start to life at theater of dreams. He was goalless for the entirety of his first season since signing for the club. Overall Forlan managed just 17 goals in 98 matches for Manchester United. As the statistics say, Forlan wasn’t the same impressive lad from Independiente that caught European eyes. But stats can be deceiving. He was a hard working and determinated player for which he even gained Roy Keane's empathy. Even though Forlan wasn't a goal machine in his United colors, he will be fondly remembered for his brace against Liverpool at Anfield. Fans even till this day chant his name for that iconic performance. “Diego, wooahh! Diego, wooaah!! He came from Uruguay, he made the Scousers cry.” So obviously Forlan wasn't a resounding success at Old Trafford, and he isn't the kind of a legend that United have. But to the fans he is a cult hero. And of all this fame a large portion was due to that single performance at Anfield. To his defence, a large portion of Diego Forlan’s appearances were as a substitute. So calling him a big ‘flop’ may be a tide too much. Of course Forlan didn't score much, but when he did, he usually took his shirt off in most cases. He sort of made it his signature celebration.
After Manchester United, Diego Forlan’s most notable club successes were at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. With over 120 La Liga goals for the two outfits, Forlan is indeed a La Liga icon. He won the Pichichi Trophy (Spanish league's top scorer of the season) twice. He also won the European Golden Boot twice during his time in the Spanish top division. Forlan was instrumental in Villarreal's bid to qualify for the UCL for the first time in their history. He's the third all-time top scorer of Villarreal with 58 goals. Then at Atletico Madrid, Diego Forlan won both UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. Diego Forlan is the fourth all-time top scorer for Atletico Madrid with 96 goals.
Diego Forlan had an steller career for Uruguay. Undoubtedly a Uruguayan great both individually and collectively with a Copa America trophy as a footnote of his accomplishments. Diego Forlan has 36 goals for Uruguayan National Team, making him the country's 3rd highest goalscorer only behind Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani respectively. Diego Forlan’s greatest career highlight is most certainly his World Cup 2010 campaign. Diego Forlan’s incredible performances at the biggest stage in world football had the fans and admirers at the edge of their seats. He had scored 5 goals and provided an assist in 2010 FIFA World Cup. Doesn't look much. But his control on the Jabulani was iconic. It's like the ball was especially made for himself. His outstanding ball control gave the fans a treat to enjoy on the pitch, as goals and assists aren't the only the highlight throughout the 90. His contribution took Uruguay to the semi finals. Out of the five goals he scored, three of them were scored from outside the box. One of the other goals was a penalty against the hosts South Africa. His fifth and last goal of the tournament was the best of them all. A spectacular worldie in the thrilling 3rd placed play offs against Germany. That goal also won the award for the FIFA Goal of the Tournament. Forlan was rewarded with the Golden Ball for being 2010 World Cup's best player. This award speaks for himself as what a player he was at the time. Forlan contributed to Uruguay's 2011 Copa America win too with two goals in the final. Easing the pain of failing at the world stage after being so close just a year ago.
Diego Forlan was a very skillful and versatile player with a hard working personality and determination. A player of sheer will. A player who had no weak foot whatsoever and capable of scoring powerful long range shots. He could probably have had a better club career than what we had and he actually deserved a better career considering the amount of talent and qualities he had inside him. Nonetheless Forlan did enjoy a football career he can be proud of. As he was a hero for his country, which anyone would dream of. And also prolific in the Spanish La Liga along short but sweet cameos here and there, Forlan bid farewell to his football career in 2018.
I wish Forlan welfare and success as he is now managing an Uruguayan club Atenas De San Carlos. The streets won't forget the South Africa World Cup Diego Forlan. Neither the Forlan that scored twice an Anfield and still haunts them. Forlan was a hero for every millennial. His long hair floating in the air as he made his runs, that iconic hairband will never be forgotten.