The Untold Story of Diego Forlán

Diego Forlán was, and remains, a national hero of Uruguay as well as being a well-travelled, experienced football star. This story follows his stints in some the biggest soccer cities, and journeys in major international tournaments as the talisman of the underdogs. What happened to the 'Cachavacha'?
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
00:39 - Origins of Diego
03:24 - Manchester spell
05:00 - Uruguay call-up & 2002 World Cup
05:36 - Overcoming his English drought & thriving
11:44 - Fading from Ferguson's plans
13:32 - 2004 Copa America
14:01 - Forlan's Villarreal transfer & Mancunian legacy
14:58 - Spanish debut & Time in Villarreal
19:51 - 2007 Copa America
20:39 - Atletico Interest and Replacing Torres
26:03 - 2010 World Cup
29:01 - UEFA Super Cup and Spanish drought
29:26 - 2011 Copa America
30:12 - Moving to Milan
31:51 - Concluding his club and international career
33:11 - Summary
#forlan #uruguay #retroroute

[@theretroroute]

Hi all, after reflecting and reading the comments I just feel the need to explain something that was perhaps unclear. This video is by no means a criticism or judgement of Diego Forlan. I believe he was a great player who had a phenomenal career for his nation and in Spain. The fact that he couldn’t flourish in England doesn’t/shouldn’t define him but has affected how people view Forlan in England and other areas of the world. I have changed the title of this video from ‘What Happened to… to ‘The Story of Diego Forlan’ as I also believe it paints the wrong picture. Forlan is a very successful icon that I personally hugely admire!

[@kyleking4028]

Yes Forlan is a legend I understand you

[@siddhanth3044]

He won the Golden Ball in a generation with Messi, Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta, Robben, Van Persie, and so many more. He wasn't a failure by any stretch of imagination. He is a legend of the game.

[@eddyvideostar]

Siddhanth: Diego Forlorn.

[@rooneye]

NO he never. Who did? What are you talking about? Are you high? Forlan didn't win a Ballon d'or you balloon what are you on about? People are reading your comment and are like "woah, he did? He must be good LIKE BUTTON" ANd they'll think they're clever talking to their friends in a pub and just randomly bring it up. "I tell you who was underrated that Diego Forlan and they'll spout your utter nonsense like a quote. hahaha like you know what you're talking about. You've convinced 200+ people Forlan won a Ballon d'or wow. What fucking "golden ball" are you talking about? 🤣🤣🤣

[@TribalScan.]

@@rooneye fatherless behaviour

[@jurneelucero1287]

@@rooneye lol you thought you did something.

[@kkrmzn]

@@rooneye im embarrassed for you

[@joewilliams561]

For me, he is THE player that comes to mind when thinking of the 2010 w/c

[@roycejr5749]

absolutely

[@Luso00_]

It's between him and Wesley Sneijder.

[@Kamau1865]

United fan here, and I was a United fan when Diego was at the club. He was never considered a 'flop'. No 'flop' ever played nearly 100 games for Manchester United like Diego did. He was a young lad who moved to a massive club and was competing against an absolute monster like Van Nistelrooy and legend like Ole, Diego at times held his own, was well liked and scored some important goals. He is part of the club's history.

[@willcomrie2853]

Forlan was a class player who just didn't fit at Man Utd. Did absolutely fine on the International scene and in Spain.

[@richiecharger3423]

How can anyone say Forlan didn't have beautiful career. He won epl, Europa league, Super Cup, Copa America and two golden boots, two pinchichi awards. Look at what he did at 2010.

[@To27416]

Forlán and Suarez both won 2 golden boots while Messi and Ronaldo were in their prime ♥️🇺🇾

[@joshuakithyoma9575]

Suarez was far better than Mr . United flop 17 goals in 90 apps ? Naaah

[@casualxxgamerxx9662]

Messi wasn't in his prime when Forlan won them, like at all. Ronaldo wasn't either, really.

[@Justfun-xx6xe]

His shooting style was so good, I wanted so much for Uruguay to win 2010 WC

[@manoiumusicgames5763]

For a lot of Man Utd fans, he was actually a fan favorite. And he had a fantastic career overall.

[@ahdnaji]

He is a legend of the game. Anyone that says he never lived up to his potential is crazy!

[@drewdowns7128]

the man who is responsible for the yellow card when taking your shirt off when celebrating

[@jangelderloos2211]

Great player, classy as well. I remember that semi final vs. The Netherlands, my homeboys. When he got that ball in midfield and started to drive towards goal, I remember thinking: "cover him, he's gonna score!" And sure he did let loose one of those legendary cannonballs!

[@mugyouoff]

Man has 2 golden boots, won two european trophies, copa america and joint top scorer in 2010 WC . Only ever seen this guy score worldies after he left united. Absolute baller!!! United fan

[@tamsmith291]

Undoubtedly a baller

[@wayneking9997]

Yeah and he still sucks

[@mugyouoff]

@@wayneking9997 any wonder your dad left you and your mom

[@wayneking9997]

@@mugyouoff how you know that?

[@mugyouoff]

@@wayneking9997 jus guessed 🤣

[@encorefootball]

I absolutely adored Forlan. Best player at 2010 World Cup by a mile. One of few who mastered the slippery Jabulani.

[@miggslor9985]

I disagree with your conclusion. He had a remarkable career and I will never forget his exceptional performance in the 2010 WC. He played second fiddle to Ruud at Man U early in his career, that's why some people talk about him being an underachiever. The truth his he was a legendary player for both club and country and is regarded by most footy fans as a great player. Great video though, well done.

[@wayneking9997]

Are you high

[@yujieleong8821]

Ruud is nothing without all the crosses he received to score goals

[@willardmatsaudza3101]

@@yujieleong8821so you are saying a striker is nothing without service loool

[@raycooke312]

A legend by all measures

[@Deco_2k]

THere u go ..

[@carlislepanting5219]

Respect to Diego forlan!! From a real madrid fan from belize central America!! ✌🙏🌎🤗💯❤

[@theretroroute]

Welcome to the channel!

[@StudyingManually]

Probably my first favorite football player. I started to watch football in 2010 during the world cup!

[@meddyfurniture]

Diego Forlan is a legend of football end of story 🙌🏽❤️

[@ericmotari9392]

Diego was always amazing, it was difficult to predict what he will do, he can shoot from anywhere and it is a goal. He is a legend

[@journeytrials]

He was great in the World Cup 2010! Always wondered about him. Dude was cool 😎

[@thedanieldrew6695]

Legend with a capital L.

[@theretroroute]

Definitely!

[@jamesress9443]

@@theretroroute GREAT VIDEO BRO

[@osmanoman]

@@theretroroute Bro do a Gheorghe Hagi video, The Maradona of the Carpathians

[@anthonyabdorab]

he was so underrated loved him at united and watched him at other clubs brilliant player.

[@spencerglover1]

It must have been a dream partnership with Riquelme, such a superb passer of the ball, Riquelme easily one of the greatest players of the 2000s alongside Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho & Ronaldo Nazario ......

[@bigtguitars7312]

I think you miss judge Diego’s time at old Trafford his goals per game ratio was pretty bad for a player of his quality but we loved Diego and enjoyed his success after he left the club. He worked his backside off every time he played and deserved everything he achieved in the game

[@ISREHL]

I never saw him as falling off, successful career imo

[@shahsadsaadu5817]

Forlan will forever be remembered for that world cup. He is the first thing tha pops up to mind when somebody talks about 2010 world cup,and very few players can actually say that in world cup history. And he didn't even reach the finals! Or won the third place!

[@Mashamillions]

Forlan is in the football top 20 best ever strikers in my opinion and his a banger in fifa

[@marini11]

One of the best players in the history of Uruguay and South America, , and a tremendous class act.

[@JAFC49]

Loving the uploads my guy, keep them coming

[@theretroroute]

Thanks man!!

[@christiandavidlenz6300]

Awesome content ! This should be gold to every Football Fan ! It is so much fun to take a trip down memory lane and to have a deep look at a (big) player's career and you do it exceptionally well bringing up major memories in the process. Thank you for this awesome contrubition !

[@ChrisMikeGR]

Diego Forlan Legend. Cavani too!

[@jamesjordan-davies2704]

Incredible footballer, his attitude was superb even when struggling at Manchester Utd, tbf it wasn’t a great Utd team that he joined and he was alongside a very greedy forward in Van Nistelrooy. Showed his class in Spain and and internationally.

[@yujieleong8821]

van Nistelrooy is greedy indeed. He could only score great amount of goals because of great crosses provided by then great midfielders e.g. Scholes, Beckham. Without them, he is nothing but a baby, whining over lack of crosses & fought with young CR7(even went too far to attack CR7's fam) over that.

[@nmarcus7233]

@@yujieleong8821 Ironically CR7 is driven by the same kind of greed. Posts up unreal numbers over a decade + at the expense of players like Bale and Benezema shining at their full potential when @ Real.

[@obyhashim3184]

A true legend. Hope he will succeed in the managemet career

[@wjnetwork]

underrated channel, great stuff, keep it up!

[@dionysise5008]

when I hear the name Diego Forlan, first thing comes to mind is 2010 wc.

[@sacisco1780]

As the commentator mentions he was a professional player, never selfish, cold headed, and specially class to hit the ball like a South American, curving it at the last moment.

[@MrX-qx7ni]

i think he realised his potential and with modest clubs too, but I always remember his international games - he really surprised everyone with his quality in 2010WC, I always tell my younger brother, use both feet and the game will come easier to you. Forlan was the epitome of this. Underrated and the other guy Batistuta was overrated, so much hype and modest acheivements.

[@handello]

Guy had an amazing career. Aging happens to all of us.

[@Matt-di6qw]

Love this, will definitely recommend your channel

[@lwandoklaushe2652]

legend of the game

[@Constanza235]

I love your videos but I believe you are a bit Anglo-centric on this video. Him not shining as expected in Man U doesn't mean his career wasn't spetacular. His career puts the majority of football players to shame, along with a vast array of trophies and personal accolades. Absolute legend. Nonetheless, fantastic biography of a fantastic player. Love your work :)

[@theretroroute]

I have addressed this in the pinned comment of this vid. Thanks for the feedback and support

[@bademann1]

@@theretroroute should have addressed it in the video. This video will forever be viewed as an underachieving failure.

[@GoldenAgeSk8Video]

@@bademann1 I know..The way its made is actually a bit depressing to watch…I really hope they upload the -official- Forlan documentary DF10 here or somewhere online. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXW7oqiPaZaSe7c

[@rooneye]

What a player he woulda/coulda been for us (Boro). I feel like he'd have done better at Boro without the MASSIVE pressure of Utd. He would have been allowed the time to settle etc. Would have been a big fish in a small pond and that HELPS a lot of players feel really confident and it's a confidence game after all, its THE most important thing for players is confidence.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

But its boro...

[@colinchiwara7285]

Loved this guy

[@0-equals-1-trilliontiger67]

Failed to reach the summit of sport ???? Golden boot at the WC, numerous Pichichi and two European Golden Boots and failed to reach the summit ?? How about taking Villareal to CL semis and many trophies? What the hell.

[@GoldenAgeSk8Video]

Exactly. Very Anglo/English club centric & semi-depressing to watch. Hope they release the official Forlan bio-doc DF10 on here… kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXW7oqiPaZaSe7c

[@prafulshrestha7980]

❤️ big love to your channel

[@conormccusker3487]

I will never forget his winning goal against Chelsea…when veron floated that pass over the Chelsea defense and he latched on to it and riffled it home. I still go back and watch it to this day. Always loved this guy

[@Josh-lg8xx]

Brilliant video

[@odessaoliver8252]

Great story 👍

[@dhineshkumars1991]

He came to India and played In ISL season scored some stunning goals and freekicks the same team Mumbai City FC is owned by City Football group now

[@carlislepanting5219]

Belize central america I'm from and I'm a Real Madrid fan but i have huge respect for Diego Forlan always!! Forlan is a legend also!!✌🏽🙏🌎☮️💯🔝

[@lwandomadikizela2213]

Many South Africans including myself will never forget Diego Forlan for a long time. Scored a brace against us including that wonder goal that Khune had no hope saving. Had a cult hero status at Manchester United even though he struggled in England. Hit his stride at La Liga with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid. The Latter when he formed a deadly strike force with Sergio Aguero and won the Europa League. Won the Golden Ball at South Africa and rightfully so when he lead Uruguay to 4th and then won the Copa America in 2011. To say he never reached his true potential is factually untrue. Yes he lost form after South Africa but he did had good career overall.

[@riyaq980]

25:30 forlan's iconic moment in pes

[@pipobsv]

One of the most complete videos about Diego's career. I'm 🇺🇾 Good job with the investigation.

[@ojasnahta2653]

Gr8 video

[@theretroroute]

Thanks! Make sure to check out some of the others on the channel.

[@Highflyerone]

Fantastic player.

[@yeabsragloyg4149]

what a legend

[@user-kx5gv4ex1x]

Awesome video! Congrats!

[@theretroroute]

Thanks so much!

[@user-kx5gv4ex1x]

Diego is such a special player, so underestimated in United. An example for everyone who does not believe in theirselves. Never give up and always fight for that is worth!

[@himlekmcnutt2764]

I was watching a greatest moments of WC on KZbin and Forlan was on there 4 times!! I had never heard of him unfortunately so I had to find out who he was. Amazing story.

[@Deco_2k]

Forlan is a beast ..

[@duckbizniz663]

Forlan is an excellent footballer. To be consistent for decades like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is truly exceptional. I guess that is why Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the greatest players of all time.

[@nkunzinkunzy6366]

He's left foot was amazing

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Great Striker, Leeds fan 👍

[@laronamareka5543]

legend

[@tamsmith291]

Forlan was an elite player.

[@abdirahmanabdullahi625]

Diego oooh ..Diego oooh ..my first United jersey .21 Forlan

[@johnferguson4869]

Big fan of Forlan.

[@vincentalvarado7058]

One thing to add was that Forlan apparently was interested in joining the new Canadian Premier League in 2019 but the league wouldn't sanction a move to Valour FC as it would have to break their salary cap rules.

[@DannoAviation]

13:17 that volley though…. Brilliant

[@potatosconejohnwatp970]

What a player,Loved Forlan n his finishing was deadly,Van nistelroy was turning it on in spades at the time n would of kept any striker out a team at the time.

[@bojanmajnaric]

Your videos are astonishing. If you read this comment, please point me to the source of the music used in the background. I've recognized the songs but can't for the life of me figure out who's interpretation it is.

[@richardvaldes6508]

He was good at utd but he really came into his own at first villareal then atl mad where he managed to win some trophies too was always in The golden boot race in la liga with players like r9 cr7 Messi ronaldinho etoo and many more. Legendary la liga striker and Legendary striker of world football. If only it had clicked for him at united

[@Midtable1881]

Three former united strikers I think who are worth a look at for your series are Louis Saha, Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi. All quite contrasting and played alongside RVN and Wayne Rooney.

[@petestreet100]

Retired a great player

[@matkodoris9099]

He was not very athletic but extremely talented. I remember some of his matches while he was in Spain. He had flashes of brilliance that only world-class players have.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox9109]

He was absolutely ripped

[@supersonic1273]

Hello, I love the intro music, what is it?

[@steveirungu3132]

I have tromendous respect for you Diego Forlan by Steve Irungu Jermaine

[@bonniedrasco8166]

Loving this channel, brilliant although I wouldn’t consider some of the footballers as having being failures, some have maybe just had bad luck on their sides, new management coming in who don’t appreciate what they have to offer or don’t want to or don’t know how to accommodate their style, managers who lack man management skills or players blighted by injuries, I think that if they at least achieve the ability to take care of themselves and their families financially both now and in the future I’d still say that’s a success and probably leaves them more financially secure than most of us

[@KEVIN-tx6bt]

Blinkered fans only remember his time at Manchester United. In reality, he was world class and will ultimately be remembered for his World Cup performances.

[@varaprad]

You must make one video on Anelka.

[@MAJ2045]

I paid so much attention to this I noticed the nirvana song playing in the background

[@axdambient]

Don Diego gracias por todo you kicked ass my friend Salud 🍺

[@arsenalfanrichi]

What happened is he had a fantastic career.

[@kingpubg4865]

It's Forlan who made me an Atletico fan till this day and oh of course Uruguay as well.. 2nd NFT i support after Argentina

[@WWE2KUNIVERSEELITE]

People who says he has been a bust might have only watched his manchester united highlights and yes the blatant goal he missed.

[@odirilegoitseonemathe6138]

If he ddnt reach his full potential than I don't know

[@TiperuKadimala-cb7xj]

Please documents sir Alex fagurson during his time at Manchester united. Please!

[@Titot182]

Listening to the commentary but I can't help notice that Nothing Else Matters was playing in the background

[@jessadalim8497]

Straight up none of yall will appreciate his sacrifices for his family? what he did was amazing

[@shamsushamsu2558]

Diego forlan playing India 🔥🔥

[@leonowski9]

Is "Nothing else matters" playing in the background?

[@MrFilbert28]

Yes

[@mokacy8102]

only the real ones remember how sick he was on Fifa 11 hahaha

[@shashi5951]

His free kicks are even better than Ronaldos. He is an absolute legend of the game ❤

[@nigelkheu3591]

Does anyone knows whats the song playing at the beginning?

[@Mr.M88888]

Greatest Uruguayan ever to play along with Cavani 😎👍

[@spencerglover1]

Nah, the Greatest Uruguayans ever is Enzo Francescoli & Alvaro Recoba ......

[@Victor-wc2vf]

@@spencerglover1 Luis Suarez will be right up there as the best Uruguayan player

[@DanLeoRuiz]

@@Victor-wc2vf top 10 top 5 maybe but not best loo

[@carlosfurtado1164]

@@spencerglover1 Recoba is technically one of, if not, the technically most gifted uruguayan player in the last 20 odd years. Alas, he was let down by his own inconsistency and poor work ethic

[@laoch5658]

united fans loved forlan

[@77yelsew]

Can anyone tell me what the music is at the beginning?

[@garethluvsthetruth6782]

fulham looool i really cant remember that, god knows what i was doing that day

[@hanishabib2518]

I think he is underrated bcoz he didn’t play for Madrid or barca. Ferguson was crazy letting him go

[@jayrome8764]

What happened to him? He retired...🙄 He was never seen as an underachiever in the general sense, he just didn't fit into the United system 🤷🏾‍♂️ Most 'stars' that come to United actually struggle