In a surprising sporting story, ex-Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is set to restart his days as a professional athlete half a decade on from hanging up his boots – only this time it will be as a tennis star.
Former Man United striker Forlan, now 45 years old, played for the Red Devils between 2002 and 2004, going down as a bit of a cult hero among fans even with only just over a dozen goals for the club – mainly because of that one he scored against Liverpool.
The Uruguayan officially retired back in 2019 following a successful career that spanned nearly three decades, but now Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup Golden Boot winner is set to swap his studs for a tennis racquet this November.
At an age when the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are retiring from the sport, Forlan is getting back in action.
Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan will make his professional tennis debut at next month’s Uruguay Open 🇺🇾😮 pic.twitter.com/5ZaSDzLXwm
While it might sound a little left-field at first, the fact is that before Diego Forlan the footballer who arrived in the Premier League just after the Millennium, the striker actually played plenty of tennis as a kid and at one point looked destined for tennis.
It was only in his teens that he officially decided to direct all his attention towards the beautiful game and started his youth career at his boyhood club, Peñarol, before getting his first senior contract at Independiente in 1997.
After impressing in a number of amateur games, the former athlete will make his professional tennis debut alongside 32-year-old Federico Coria in a double event back in his home country.
An official announcement from the tournament organisers reads: “Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan.”
Diego Forlán was 16 when he gave up tennis to focus on his football career.
Now 45, he’s playing tennis outside of Uruguay for the first time in his career and has dropped just three games in his last two matches on the ITF circuit in Lima. pic.twitter.com/mTpb7mOHRL
The Uruguay Open fixtures are at Challenger Tour level – the second-highest professional tier in tennis – but should Forlan and Argentine partner Coria progress, this could be the start of a whole new career who’s already enjoyed a lifetime as a professional athlete.
If you look back through history, there have been all manner of sports personalities that have changed disciplines and gone on to have plenty of joy too.
Michael Jordan trying his hand at baseball, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was an American footballer before a wrestler and even Stockport’s very own Paralympic hero Dame Sarah Storey was winning medals as a swimmer way before she became a cyclist.
We don’t know how serious the prospect of becoming a full-time professional tennis player is in his mind and his age will no doubt be a big factor but who knows, maybe Forlan will see the same fortune?
Featured Images — Ailura (via Wikimedia Commons)/Diego Forlan (via Instagram)
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
22nd October 2024 
