Uruguayan football is on edge following news that Diego Forlán was hospitalized after suffering a hard fall during a Liga Universitaria de Deportes match, where he represents Old Boys in the over-40 category.

What happened to Diego Forlán?

The incident took place on Saturday during the classic between Old Boys and Old Christians, a match that ended in a 4-1 victory for Forlán’s team. In an unfortunate play, the former striker fell heavily on his right side, resulting in three fractured ribs and a minor pneumothorax — the presence of air in the pleural cavity, which can cause breathing difficulties.

According to Uruguayan media, the ex-footballer is currently hospitalized in Montevideo and will remain under medical observation until Tuesday, October 21. Despite the seriousness of the injury, reports indicate his recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks.

A legend who never left the game

Born in Montevideo in 1979, Diego Forlán officially retired from professional football in 2019 after a remarkable career with clubs such as Independiente, Villarreal, Atlético de Madrid, Manchester United, and Peñarol.

Renowned for his technical ability and professionalism, Forlán was the UEFA Golden Boot winner in 2005, LaLiga’s top scorer in 2008-09, and the Best Player of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he led Uruguay to an unforgettable semifinal run.

From football to tennis — passion without limits

Even after hanging up his boots, Forlán has remained deeply connected to sports. In 2022, he joined the Old Boys & Old Girls Club, continuing to play football simply for the love of the game. In 2023, he even surprised fans by competing in his first professional tennis match at the Montevideo Challenger.

Following his accident, social media has been flooded with messages of support from fans and former teammates, praising his enduring competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to sport.

For now, the Uruguayan icon focuses on his recovery, with an entire nation wishing him a swift return — because, even after all these years, Diego Forlán remains the heart of Uruguayan football.