The 15 best Uruguayan footballers of all time – ranked

Uruguay punches well above its weight in world football. Despite its small population—just 3.4 million people in 2023, according to the World Bank—the country boasts a footballing legacy rivalled by few, with two FIFA World Cup titles and 15 Copa América trophies, behind only Argentina.

We'll celebrate the 15 greatest Uruguayan footballers in history, showcasing their skills, achievements and contributions to the beautiful game, considering achievements at both club and international levels. Each player on this list has left an indelible mark on football, from legendary World Cup winners to modern-day stars still excelling on the global stage.

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers of his era, Mazurkiewicz, born to a Polish father, was instrumental in Uruguay’s 1970 World Cup run to the semi-finals. He was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper and won several league titles with Peñarol and a Copa Libertadores in 1966. Mazurkiewicz’s reflexes and positional sense were second to none.

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Recoba was a magician with the ball at his feet. His long-range goals and free-kick precision became trademarks during his time with Inter Milan, where he won two Serie A titles (2005–06, 2006–07). Recoba’s technical brilliance and creativity earned him a cult following among fans.

A versatile defender, Forlán shone for both Uruguay and São Paulo, where he won two Brazilian championships. He represented Uruguay in two World Cups (1966 and 1974) and was celebrated for his tactical awareness. Forlán also passed on his footballing legacy to his son, Diego Forlán (more later!).

Known as 'The Black Pearl', Andrade was a trailblazer in the early 20th century. A key figure in Uruguay’s Olympic gold medal triumphs in 1924 and 1928, Andrade also starred in the 1930 World Cup-winning team. His elegant style and defensive mastery inspired comparisons to a modern midfielder and defender hybrid, and he is remembered as one of football’s first global stars.

As one of the most aggressive and dependable defenders of the 21st century, Diego Godín earns his place on this list. He captained Uruguay to Copa América glory in 2011 and amassed over 160 international caps, a national record. Godín’s 2014 La Liga title with Atlético Madrid included scoring a decisive header on the final day to earn his team their first league title in 18 years.

Cubilla, a tricky winger, represented Uruguay in three World Cups and left a lasting impact on South American football during a career spanning three decades as a player and coach. At Peñarol, whom he joined in 1957, he won four Uruguayan league championships, two Copa Libertadores and a Copa Intercontinental. His success there eventually earned him a move to FC Barcelona.

Cavani has been one of the most consistently lethal strikers in Europe over the past decade. After tearing it up in Serie A for Napoli, in mid-2013, Cavani joined Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €64 million—at the time the most expensive signing in French football history, according to Eurosport. With over 200 goals in Paris, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer, only later overtaken by Kylian Mbappé. Cavani’s tireless work rate and ability to score in big moments have been invaluable for the national team, too, leading his nation to Copa América victory in 2011.

Nicknamed 'El Príncipe' ('The Prince'), Francescoli was the leading scorer and a key player in River Plate's second Copa Libertadores title charge, and won a total of five Argentinian titles in the six years at the club. He was instrumental in Uruguay’s Copa América victories in 1983 and 1995, too. Francescoli also enjoyed a successful stint in Europe, playing for RC Paris and Marseille in France, then Cagliari and Torino in Italy. His silky style influenced players like Zinedine Zidane, who named Francescoli as one of his idols. What's more, Francescoli was the only Uruguayan included by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living footballers in 2004.

Few will forget Forlán’s Golden Ball-winning performance at the 2010 World Cup as he led Uruguay to a fourth-place finish in South Africa. He scored five goals in that tournament, three of which came from outside the box. A two-time European Golden Shoe winner (2004–05, 2008–09), Forlán also excelled at club level with Manchester United, Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, where he won the Europa League in 2009–10.

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Uruguay’s first great footballing icon, Nasazzi captained the team to victory in the inaugural 1930 World Cup. A dominant defender nicknamed 'El Mariscal' ('The Marshal'), he also led Uruguay to multiple Copa América titles. Nasazzi’s leadership and tenacity set the standard for future generations of Uruguayan players.

Known as 'El Negro Jefe' ('The Black Chief') because of his African, Spanish and Greek ancestry, Varela was the inspirational captain behind Uruguay’s famous 'Maracanazo' victory over hosts Brazil which gifted them the World Cup in 1950. His leadership and defensive midfield prowess carried Uruguay to their second world title. Varela’s calm under pressure remains legendary, making him a national hero.

Schiaffino was instrumental in Uruguay’s stunning 1950 World Cup victory, scoring the equaliser in the iconic 'Maracanazo' against Brazil. Renowned for his intelligence and vision, he was a playmaker ahead of his time. After making history in Uruguay, Schiaffino moved to Italy, where he became one of Serie A’s earliest South American stars, excelling at AC Milan and Roma. With Milan, he won three Serie A titles and established himself as one of Europe’s premier midfielders. His ability to orchestrate attacks and redefine the attacking midfield role left a lasting legacy in football.

Ghiggia has been immortalised for his decisive goal in the 1950 World Cup final against Brazil, an act that silenced over 200,000 spectators at the Maracanã Stadium in one of football’s greatest upsets. He is one of only five players in history (alongside Just Fontaine, Jairzinho, Guillermo Stábile and Sándor Kocsis) to score in every game of a single World Cup tournament. Beyond the 'Maracanazo,' Ghiggia enjoyed a successful club career, starring for Peñarol in Uruguay and AS Roma in Italy, where he brought his flair and clinical finishing to European football.

Scarone was Uruguay’s first true global football icon. 'El Mago' ('The Magician') played a pivotal role in securing two Olympic gold medals (1924 and 1928) and the inaugural World Cup in 1930, establishing Uruguay as a football powerhouse. Scarone scored 31 goals in 52 appearances for the national team, a record that stood for decades, underlining his extraordinary skill and consistency. His club career also included successful stints with FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, where he further showcased his abilities on a European stage. Scarone’s brilliance and influence on early football remain unmatched.

With over 500 career goals, Suárez has claimed Golden Boots in both the Premier League and La Liga, showcasing his dominance across Europe’s toughest leagues. Suárez played a pivotal role in Uruguay’s 2011 Copa América victory, scoring four goals and earning the tournament’s MVP award. He remains Uruguay’s all-time leading scorer, with 69 international goals. At club level, Suárez’s impact was especially profound at FC Barcelona, where he formed part of the iconic MSN trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar, winning four La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League in 2015.

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