Diego Forlan, now head coach of Uruguay, has returned to India nearly a decade after his stint as an Indian Super League (ISL) player — this time steering the two-time world champions ahead of their international friendly against the Indian national football team at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. The visit marks a full-circle moment for the former Uruguay striker, who previously represented Mumbai City FC in the ISL.

From Player to Coach: Forlan's Indian Connection

Forlan's first encounter with Indian football came during a six-month spell with Mumbai City FC, during which he played across multiple cities. “It’s been almost 10 years since I came here,” he told reporters. “I had the opportunity to play in the ISL for Mumbai City. I spent six months here, playing in Kolkata, Mumbai and different cities. I discovered a really nice country, with a lot of people and a lot of good football players.”

Kolkata left a particular impression on him. He recalled full stadiums every time his side played in the city, underlining the depth of football culture in the region. He also singled out Kerala, Goa, and the northeast as pockets of strong footballing passion. “They are really passionate about football. They have good players as well,” he said.

Forlan Watches India vs Brazil, Issues a Warning

Before Uruguay's fixture, Forlan was present in the stands when India faced Brazil in Kolkata. Despite India suffering a heavy defeat in that encounter, the Uruguayan coach came away with a measured respect for the hosts. “India had some really good players. They knew what to do,” he said. “There were some really nice combinations. If you give them time and space, they can damage you, and they can play well. So you have to respect everybody.”

The assessment is notable: Forlan is clearly not treating the friendly as a walkover, and his scouting of India's recent performance against Brazil signals a professional rigour that the hosts will likely welcome as a mark of respect.

On India's Development and the Value of High-Profile Friendlies

Forlan endorsed the broader value of such fixtures for Indian football's growth. “I think it’s good that the national team is playing these kinds of friendly games,” he said. “In the future, they can have more games like this, so they can learn and become a better team.” This comes amid India's push to climb the FIFA rankings and qualify for major tournaments, with the national setup increasingly seeking competitive exposure against higher-ranked sides.

Uruguay Squad Savours Kolkata Hospitality

Uruguay spent nearly a week in Kolkata ahead of the match, with the squad able to experience the city beyond training sessions. Forlan praised the welcome extended to them. “The people are very humble, and the hospitality is great,” he said. “Every time I came here to India, people have been really kind.”

Weather disrupted some of the squad's sightseeing plans, but Forlan noted the historic character of the city made even a brief exploration worthwhile. On the subject of local cuisine, he kept the door open — “Maybe we can try after the match” — suggesting post-game Kolkata food is firmly on the agenda.

What to Watch

The friendly at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan will be a litmus test for India under their current setup, pitting them against a squad managed by a coach who has both ISL experience and a clear-eyed read of the hosts' capabilities. How India handle Uruguay's quality — and whether they can produce the “good combinations” Forlan acknowledged — will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike.