1. Overview
Pablo Justo Forlán Lamarque, born on July 14, 1945, in the Soriano Department of Uruguay, is a distinguished Uruguayan retired professional footballer and manager. Primarily a defender, Forlán is recognized for his significant contributions to football, both as a player and later as a manager. His family also holds a notable place in football history, as he is the father of the renowned Uruguayan striker Diego Forlán and the son-in-law of legendary Uruguayan coach Juan Carlos Corazzo. Over a playing career spanning 21 years from 1963 to 1984, he achieved considerable success, securing numerous domestic and international titles with prominent clubs like Peñarol, São Paulo FC, and Defensor Sporting. Forlán also proudly represented the Uruguay national team in two FIFA World Cups. Beyond his professional achievements, his personal life, particularly his daughter's severe accident and the subsequent establishment of a traffic safety foundation, highlights his lasting social impact.
2. Early Life and Personal Background
Pablo Justo Forlán Lamarque was born on July 14, 1945, in the Soriano Department of Uruguay. He is part of a prominent footballing lineage that has significantly contributed to Uruguayan football. His father-in-law was Juan Carlos Corazzo, a highly respected coach who managed the Uruguay national team. Pablo Forlán's son, Diego Forlán, also followed in his footsteps, achieving international acclaim as a forward for the Uruguay national team and various top clubs worldwide. This family connection has cemented the Forlán name as a cornerstone in Uruguayan football history.
3. Playing Career
Pablo Forlán's playing career as a professional footballer spanned from 1963 to 1984, primarily as a defender. He played for several major clubs across Uruguay and Brazil, earning numerous titles.
3.1. Club Career
Forlán began his professional career in 1963 with Peñarol in Uruguay's Primera División. He quickly established himself as a key defender for the team, playing a pivotal role in their success until 1970. During his initial tenure with Peñarol, he contributed to four Uruguayan Primera División titles in 1964, 1965, 1967, and 1968. He was also instrumental in Peñarol's continental and intercontinental triumphs, winning the Copa Libertadores in 1966 and the Intercontinental Cup in the same year. Furthermore, he was part of the squad that secured the Intercontinental Champions' Supercup in 1969.
In 1970, Forlán moved to Brazil to join São Paulo FC, where he played until 1976. During his time at São Paulo, he made 73 appearances, scoring one goal. He was a vital part of the team that won the Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo state championship) three times: in 1970, 1971, and 1975.
After his successful spell in Brazil, Forlán briefly returned to his former club, Peñarol, in 1976. He then played for Cruzeiro EC in 1977 and Club Nacional de Football in 1978. In 1979, he joined Defensor Sporting where he played until his retirement in 1984, marking 21 years as a professional footballer. With Defensor Sporting, he won the Uruguayan Cup in 1979 and 1981.
3.2. International Career
Pablo Forlán was a prominent member of the Uruguay national team from 1966 to 1976. During this period, he earned 17 caps. He represented Uruguay in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, participating in both the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England and the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. In the 1966 World Cup, Forlán contributed to the team's advancement to the quarter-finals.
4. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Pablo Forlán transitioned into football management. He had two notable managerial stints during his career. In 1986, he took charge of Defensor Sporting, one of his former clubs. He later returned to Brazil to manage São Paulo FC in 1990, another club where he had a distinguished playing career. No specific managerial achievements or titles are widely documented for these periods.
5. Honours
Pablo Forlán achieved significant success during his playing career, securing multiple titles with his clubs.
- Peñarol
- Uruguayan Primera División: 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968
- Copa Libertadores: 1966
- Intercontinental Cup: 1966
- Intercontinental Champions' Supercup: 1969
- São Paulo FC
- Campeonato Paulista: 1970, 1971, 1975
- Defensor Sporting
- Uruguayan Cup: 1979, 1981
6. Personal Life and Anecdotes
Pablo Forlán's personal life is closely intertwined with his footballing family. He is the father of Diego Forlán, a highly decorated international footballer, and the son-in-law of the legendary coach Juan Carlos Corazzo.
A widely reported anecdote highlights a profound connection between the Forlán family and Argentine football icon Diego Maradona. After Pablo Forlán's retirement from professional football, his family faced significant financial difficulties. In 1991, a tragic traffic accident left his daughter, Alejandra Forlán, severely injured and with full-body paralysis. The estimated cost of her medical treatment was substantial, approximately 300.00 M KRW. In a remarkable act of generosity, Diego Maradona reportedly provided the family with the necessary funds, enabling Alejandra to undergo crucial surgery and eventually recover her health. Alejandra Forlán later became a prominent advocate for traffic safety, establishing a non-profit foundation dedicated to the cause.
During his son Diego Forlán's playing career, Pablo also actively supported him, including visiting Japan when Diego was playing for Cerezo Osaka in the J1 League.
7. Legacy and Impact
Pablo Forlán's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing both his distinguished career in football and his family's notable social contributions. As a player, his longevity, skill as a defender, and collection of numerous domestic and international titles with clubs like Peñarol and São Paulo FC underscore his significant impact on the sport. His participation in two FIFA World Cups further solidifies his place in Uruguayan football history.
Beyond the pitch, Forlán's personal experiences have led to a meaningful social impact through his family. The severe traffic accident involving his daughter, Alejandra, and the subsequent support from Diego Maradona, directly inspired the establishment of the Alejandra Forlán Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting traffic safety, transforming a personal tragedy into a broader societal benefit. This initiative reflects the family's commitment to public welfare and adds a humanitarian dimension to the Forlán legacy, transcending their achievements in sports.