Ex-Man Utd Star Diego Forlan rushed to hospital after suffering three broken ribs

Former Manchester United striker, Diego Forlan was rushed to the hospital after suffering three broken ribs during a veterans football match in Uruguay on Saturday, October 19, 2025.

The 46-year-old was left in severe pain following a collision with an opponent while playing for Old Boys in Uruguay’s over-40s Liga Universitaria.

Following the brutal fall, Forlan was quickly taken to the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with three broken ribs and a partially-collapsed lung.

According to Referi, the former international player required an additional medical procedure to have his lung drained after it filled with fluid.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Forlan reportedly told those close to him that he believed there was “no bad intention” from the opponent involved in the collision. He is said to be in good condition and is expected to remain hospitalized until Tuesday.

While his time at Manchester United (2002-2005) was marked by a slow start—failing to score in his first six months and ultimately tallying 17 goals—he won a Premier League title and an FA Cup.

Forlan went on to become an iconic finisher in Europe. He excelled in Spain with Villarreal and later at Atletico Madrid, where he won the European Golden Shoe twice. He also had a stint with Inter Milan before moving on to clubs in Brazil, Japan, India, and Hong Kong, eventually retiring professionally in 2019.

On the international stage, Forlan was celebrated for his role in the Uruguayan national team. He won the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2010 World Cup and helped fire Uruguay to the Copa America title a year later. Following his playing career, he had two spells as a manager with Uruguayan sides Penarol and Atenas.