Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Diego Forlan Urges India to Build Football from Grassroots
Diego Forlan is Uruguay’s coach and used to play football in India.
He says India has talented young footballers, even though cricket is more popular.
He thinks India should build more football academies and help children play from a young age.
A stronger league could also help players improve.
Playing against strong teams can teach India’s players a lot.
India recently drew with Panama and lost to Brazil.
Forlan said Uruguay should not underestimate India.
The teams are set to play in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Uruguay coach Diego Forlan said India can develop stronger football by investing in academies and youth players.
He said a stronger domestic league and matches against elite teams can help young players improve.
India are scheduled to face Uruguay in an international friendly at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday.
Forlan cautioned Uruguay to respect India, citing the hosts’ promising combinations and players against Brazil.
He said India’s football following is passionate in cities including Kerala, Goa and the Northeast.
- Who
- Diego Forlan, coach of Uruguay, and the India national football team.
- What
- Forlan discussed India’s football development ahead of an international friendly between India and Uruguay.
- When
- The friendly is scheduled for Tuesday; Forlan spoke at a press conference on Monday.
- Where
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India.
- Why
- Forlan said grassroots investment, stronger academies and league competition, and matches against elite opponents can help India develop football.
India’s development opportunities
Challenges and cautions
How India can improve
India’s development opportunities
Forlan argued that grassroots development, more academies, a stronger league and fixtures against elite opponents can help India produce better players.
Challenges and cautions
He noted that cricket is India’s main sport and that India’s football culture differs from Uruguay’s, where football is deeply embedded in everyday life.
Expectations for the friendly
India’s development opportunities
Forlan saw promising combinations and players in India’s match against Brazil and said they could cause problems if given time and space.
Challenges and cautions
He warned that Uruguay should respect India and said the game would be difficult, including because of Kolkata’s humid weather and the need to adapt.
- Match
- India vs Uruguay international friendly
- Venue
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
- Uruguay coach
- Diego Forlan
- India’s recent results mentioned
- 1-1 draw against Panama; 4-0 loss to Brazil
- Forlan’s recommendation
- Develop academies and youth football, strengthen the league, and provide high-level matches
- Forlan’s previous India role
- Played for Mumbai City in the Indian Super League in 2016