Former Uruguayan football star Diego Forlán is making headlines once again, several years after hanging up his boots. The 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner captured global attention during the tournament in South Africa, where he skillfully handled the controversial Jabulani ball. Now, at the age of 45, Forlán is transitioning to a new sport—tennis.
In an exciting development, Forlán will make his professional tennis debut next month, competing in doubles at the ATP Challenger tournament. He will partner with Argentina’s Federico Coria at the Uruguay Open, which is set to kick off on November 11.
Forlán, who retired from professional football in 2019, boasts an illustrious career, having played for prestigious clubs including Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Internazionale, and Peñarol. He played a pivotal role in guiding Uruguay to the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and was instrumental in the team’s Copa America victory in 2011.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Pablo Forlán, who also enjoyed a career in football and took up tennis after retirement, Diego shared, “He started playing at age 41. That’s also why I have played tennis since I was 2.” Since last year, Forlán has participated in ITF Masters tournaments, honing his skills as he prepares for this new chapter in his athletic career.
With his tennis debut on the horizon, fans and sports enthusiasts alike eagerly await to see how Forlán’s remarkable journey in sports continues beyond the football pitch.
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