Muslera turns down Forlán's Uruguay recall approach

Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, 39, has declined a potential return to the Uruguay national team after a personal call from coach Diego Forlán, citing the distance to the next Copa América and his focus on club side Estudiantes.

Fernando Muslera has turned down a return to the Uruguay national team. The 39-year-old goalkeeper communicated his decision to coach Diego Forlán during a personal phone call, shutting the door on a new international chapter.

Forlán, who was reviewing his first experience in charge of the Celeste at a press conference, contacted the historic keeper to gauge his availability. The answer was no. Muslera, who played his last match for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, argued there is no imminent major competition to justify a comeback, with the next Copa América scheduled for 2028. "He knows he has little time to play because there is no nearby competition," explained Forlán.

Goalkeeping situation

Muslera's refusal leaves Uruguay in a delicate situation between the posts. The manager described the panorama as 'sensitive', with Sergio Rochet and Franco Israel injured and Santiago Mele not getting regular playing time at his club. On the recent Asian tour, Forlán had to turn to Christopher Fiermarín and Thiago Cardozo, who played against Japan, South Korea and India respectively.

The team is coming off a 6-1 thrashing of India on October 6, a match where Darwin Núñez, Maximiliano Araújo, Rodrigo Zalazar, Javier Sanabria and Rodrigo Aguirre scored.

A cycle closes

Muslera, with 133 international caps and a 2011 Copa América title, announced his retirement from the Celeste in 2024, though he was later called up by Marcelo Bielsa for the 2026 World Cup, where he started all three group stage matches. His final act was being substituted at halftime in the third match against Spain.

Forlán, who maintains a great personal relationship with the keeper, regretted the decision but respects it. "He is a goalkeeper who made history, was a great teammate and is a great friend," stated the manager. Muslera thanked him for the gesture, but his focus is now on concluding his club career. His contract with Estudiantes de La Plata runs until December 2026, and it has been suggested the 2025 season could be his last before a potential retirement at Montevideo Wanderers, where he began. The Uruguay national team, on a two-game winning run, will move forward without one of its historic pillars.

First reported at Diario El Día de La Plata