Luis Suarez could be heading for a sensational return to international football after new Uruguay boss Diego Forlan hinted that the veteran striker remains firmly in his plans.
Forlan, who has taken charge of both Uruguay’s senior and Under-20 teams until March 2027, wasted little time addressing the future of the country’s legendary No.9.
The new coach was asked about Suarez during his first news conference, and his response immediately raised the possibility of the Inter Miami forward returning to the international stage.
“I have enormous respect for Luis and a lot of trust in him,” he said.
“If he is up for selection, to be able to have a player like him, who scores goals, has experience and shows it week in, week out, why not [pick him]?
“We will see later, nobody will discuss what Luis is.”
The prospect of a Suarez comeback would represent a major change from the previous regime.
The striker was left out of Uruguay’s World Cup squad under Marcelo Bielsa, with the tournament ending in disappointment as the two-time world champions were eliminated in the group stage without winning a match.
Suarez has not represented Uruguay since 2024.
Now 39 and turning 40 in January, the former Ajax, Liverpool and Barcelona striker is continuing his career in Major League Soccer alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
Age, however, does not appear to have closed the door.
Suarez has previously indicated that he would be available if Uruguay came calling, leaving the decision in the hands of the national team’s new coaching staff.
Forlan admitted he was unaware of Suarez’s comments but made it clear that the veteran would receive a warm welcome.
“Honestly I didn’t know he had said that, but if he did, he is welcome.”
There is also a strong personal connection between Forlan and Suarez.
The pair played together for Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when La Celeste produced an unforgettable run to the semi-finals.
Their partnership was tested most famously in the dramatic quarter-final against Ghana.
With the match heading towards extra-time penalties, Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to prevent Stephen Appiah’s effort from crossing the line.
He was sent off, but Uruguay eventually progressed after Ghana missed the resulting penalty.
That tournament helped establish Suarez as one of the most influential figures in Uruguay’s modern football history.
A year later, Forlan and Suarez were together again as Uruguay won the 2011 Copa America.
Suarez remains Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s most decorated footballers.
His international career has included World Cup goals, Copa America success and countless decisive moments for La Celeste.
While his age means a return would inevitably come with questions about his physical condition and role within the squad, Forlan appears willing to judge him on what he can still offer rather than what he has achieved in the past.
That could make the upcoming international window particularly interesting.
Forlan has inherited a Uruguay team looking to move forward after a disappointing World Cup campaign, but the appointment of a coach who understands the country’s football culture could also create an opening for familiar faces.
And few faces are more familiar than Suarez.
Forlan’s appointment has already generated intrigue, but his comments about Suarez have added another layer to Uruguay’s next chapter.
The former Manchester United and Atletico star knows exactly what Suarez brings: goals, experience, personality and a deep understanding of what it means to play for Uruguay.
Whether that is enough to earn another international call-up remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear.
The door to Uruguay has not been closed on the ex-Liverpool forward. And if the veteran striker remains ready to answer the call, Forlan appears more than willing to pick up the phone.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
