Diego Forlán

The Golden Ball winner who led Uruguay to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

via Wikipedia: Diego Forlán · see source

Diego Martín Forlán Corazo is a Uruguayan former professional footballer who played as a forward. He participated in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014). His most notable achievement came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in which he led Uruguay to the final four for the first time since the 1970 FIFA World Cup, scoring five goals and one assist in the process, and was ultimately awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, selected for team of the tournament, and was the joint-top scorer.

Quick Facts

Full name: Diego Martín Forlán Corazo
Born: 19 May 1979
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Height: 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in
Position: Forward
Current club: Uruguay (head coach); Uruguay U20 (head coach)

Facts from the source article.

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.

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.