FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024 

C.A. PENAROL

I. INTRODUCTION:

I first encountered football management games nearly three decades ago—a time surely remembered fondly by veterans—starting with the CD-ROM release of Championship Manager 97/98 (with its green cover and physical disc), which I initially borrowed from a friend. Compared to today’s titles, this version featured a much simpler structure and virtually no graphics engine, yet it still offered an exhilarating sense of achievement to take a small club to the next level.

Over the years, I played almost every installment of the series with varying degrees of success, though the Football Manager series ultimately emerged as the winner among its competitors. Despite occasional breaks, I have played the game consistently over the years; I grew to love its complexity, as it requires not only tactical football knowledge but also the ability to navigate carefully considered economic challenges. Furthermore, managing the backroom staff puts our organizational skills and strategic planning to the test.

Football has been an integral part of my life since childhood, whether I was playing the sport or watching matches. My earliest memories date back to the 1986 World Cup, and I became a regular follower of the football world around the time of the 1990 tournament. Domestically, I have been a dedicated supporter of Újpest FC since 1994 —a passion that has not waned despite two decades of setbacks. Fundamentally, I subscribe to the legendary saying: "You can change your woman, your car, or your home at any time, but never your club!"

Naturally, I have launched careers with my favorite team in various editions of the game, yet Újpest was never the club where I spent the longest time. I did most of my "coaching" in Italy, guiding several smaller teams from Serie D or Serie C up to the top flight, though I have also pursued careers in the Balkans with Serbian and Croatian clubs. I don’t think I’ve ever managed a genuine top-tier club in any game; I much prefer building something up with a smaller team and—after a few in-game seasons—looking back at where we started versus where we ended up. I don’t see much of a challenge in managing an elite team in a top league, so I tend to avoid that kind of scenario.

Naturally, I bought Football Manager 26 this year, but after just a few hours of play, I gave up on it due to the new user interface. Instead, I returned to Football Manager 24 — which had been available for a long time given the absence of a ’25 release — as its interface is far more user-friendly and logically structured. With that in mind, I decided to launch one last major career in this game, set in a rather unconventional location; this report is where I’ll share the story of that journey with you.

II. TEAM SELECTION:

I definitely wanted to undertake a long-term “rebuild-style” career in South America. It was particularly important for me to work with a team — or at least represent a nation — that I genuinely like. In the context of Latin America, this narrowed the field to two nations: my number-one favorite, Argentina, and Uruguay, the "little brother" nation I’ve always found appealing.

I was far more familiar with Argentina and its league, having kept a closer eye on the top teams there over the years. While choosing one of the "Big Five" would have been the obvious move, I didn't want to start with them; the dominance of Argentine clubs in international competitions doesn't quite fit the narrative of a long-term rebuilding project. With a club like Boca Juniors or River Plate, winning the Copa Libertadores within a few years isn't just possible — it’s practically expected.

I wanted to choose a team with an excellent youth academy, as my goal was to achieve success and build the club step-by-step by developing and integrating homegrown players over the long haul. Financially, I wanted to join a club that wasn't considered wealthy. It was also important that the team not be an overwhelming favorite even within its own country, as I was looking for a challenge on the domestic stage as well. However, beyond domestic championships, I wanted to capture much bigger prizes: specifically, to reach the pinnacle of South American football through systematic development and secure international cup victories.

That is precisely why my attention increasingly shifted to neighboring Uruguay—a country significantly smaller in size, yet possessing a massive footballing culture and history — where I wanted to rewrite history and awaken a sleeping giant (though perhaps that sounds overly sentimental).

That is precisely why I chose PENAROL out of the two Uruguayan giants. The club boasts an excellent youth academy and is teeming with talented youngsters; however, it has lost its leading role on the domestic stage in recent years, occasionally even missing out on a podium finish — for instance, they ended the 2022 season in a mere sixth place. They possess decent infrastructure and a proper training center. The team has an incredibly passionate fan base; in that part of the world, football is akin to a religion for the people. Financially, the club also fit the criteria perfectly; while there is plenty one could say, one thing is certain: the team is not characterized by boundless wealth — every single penny has to be fought for here. Moreover, in the first year, the club is competing in the Copa Sudamericana (introduced in 2002) rather than the Copa Libertadores, which places them at a competitive disadvantage (the prize money in the premier competition is roughly three times higher...).

Their arch-rival, Nacional, had increasingly gained the upper hand — a trend I aim to reverse first on the domestic stage, before once again becoming the flagship of South American club football in the international arena. Once again — yes! For while few may realize it, the team boasts an incredibly impressive track record: they have previously won the Copa Libertadores five times and claimed the Intercontinental Cup on three other occasions! Beyond those five victories, the club also reached the Copa Libertadores final five additional times — meaning they boast ten final appearances in the continent's most prestigious competition, maintaining a 50% win rate in those matches.

With five Copa Libertadores titles, Peñarol holds a highly distinguished third place on the all-time list of South American clubs — a tremendous achievement, especially when considering the populations of Argentina and Brazil and the financial resources of their respective clubs! Argentine teams dominate the rankings; Independiente leads the pack with seven victories, followed by Boca Juniors in second place with six titles, and the team I support comes right after them. Their last victory was back in 1987 — it is high time for more success!

For this very reason, I have set several milestones for myself regarding the rescue effort:

• reclaim the role of the dominant force on the domestic stage as soon as possible, consistently contending for and winning the domestic league title
• place great emphasis on achieving success in international cup competitions right from the first year to stabilize the club's finances
• qualify for the Copa Libertadores every year starting from the second season, given the significantly higher prize money involved
• try to keep key players and the most talented youngsters at the club for as long as possible, selling them only for substantial fees that are truly significant for a club of our stature
• reinvest the proceeds from player sales back into the squad, prioritizing the recruitment of young talent
• as the club grows financially stronger, maximize training facilities to accelerate player development
• establish domestic dominance and break the record for consecutive league titles (the current record is five in a row)
• win our first trophy in the Copa Sudamericana
• save the biggest challenge for last: the ultimate goal is to top the all-time rankings in the Copa Libertadores — which will require at least three cup victories!

III. INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY:

Uruguay is a relatively small country in South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and northeast, Argentina to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean — specifically the Río de la Plata estuary — to the south and southeast. Its capital is Montevideo, and its official language is Spanish. It is the second-smallest country in South America, after Suriname.

During the colonial era, the territory of present-day Uruguay was known as the Banda Oriental (Eastern Strip) and included the area of the so-called Eastern Missions, which were later seized by the Brazilian government and became part of the current Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The country gained its independence between 1811 and 1828, following conflicts involving Portugal and Spain, and later Argentina and Brazil. Administratively, the country is divided into 19 departments.

Uruguayans are predominantly of European descent; in the 2011 census, more than 87.7% of the population identified as being of European origin. Uruguay has a high literacy rate (98%) and a well-educated workforce. There is a strong urban middle class, and income levels are relatively balanced. During the military dictatorship of the 1970s and 1980s, an estimated half-million Uruguayans emigrated to Europe; consequently — and because the country has the lowest birth rate in the Americas — the population is aging. In addition to European (primarily Spanish) culture, Uruguay has also been influenced by African and indigenous Amerindian cultures.

Like most Latin American countries, Uruguay’s cultural heritage bears the stamp of Spanish culture — even though approximately half of the population is of Italian descent. The majority of the population has European ancestry, though there are also significant numbers of mestizos and Afro-Uruguayans. According to the 2011 census (totaling 3.28 million): 

• 87.7% of Uruguay's population is white,
• 7.8% is Afro-Uruguayan,
• 2.35% is mestizo,
• 0.23% is Asian.

Spanish is the official language and is spoken by almost everyone. English is frequently used in business, as are French and Italian. In the northern regions near the Brazilian border, the Portuguese language is widespread, as is Portuñol — a distinctive blend of Spanish and Portuguese.

It is a high-income developing country and a leader in Latin America regarding democracy, low levels of corruption, and e-government. It is classified as a "full democracy" and ranks very highly in international metrics for government transparency, economic freedom, social progress, income equality, per capita income, innovation, and infrastructure. By the late 2010s, it ranked first in South America in terms of press freedom, the size of the middle class, and prosperity.

IV. THE HISTORY OF URUGUAYAN FOOTBALL:

The Uruguay national football team, nicknamed "La Celeste" ("The Sky Blue"), has represented Uruguay in men's football since its first international match in 1902. It is administered by the Uruguayan Football Association — the country's governing body for football — which has been a founding member of CONMEBOL since 1916 and a member of FIFA since 1923. The team was also a member of the PFC, an initiative that sought to unify the confederations of the Americas between 1946 and 1961. Uruguay's home stadium is the Estadio Centenario, and the team has been coached by Marcelo Bielsa since 2023.

It is considered one of the most successful national teams in international competitions, and FIFA has dubbed it "football's first global superpower." Uruguay has won four FIFA-recognized world titles:

• two Olympic titles
• two FIFA World Cups.

They secured their first two international titles at the 1924 Paris and 1928 Amsterdam Olympics — events organized directly by FIFA as open competitions featuring professional players. In the former, Uruguay defeated Switzerland 3–0 in the final, while in the latter, they beat Argentina 2–1. They then claimed a third consecutive title at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Montevideo in 1930, defeating Argentina 4–2 in the decisive match. Uruguay won its fourth title in 1950 by defeating hosts Brazil 2–1 in the final — a match that still holds the record for the highest official attendance in football history (173.850 people through the turnstiles).

Thanks to these achievements, the Uruguayan national team displays four FIFA-approved five-pointed stars on its crest. From the 1924 Olympics until the semi-finals of the 1954 World Cup, Uruguay remained undefeated in World Cup matches — a 30-year unbeaten streak — and won four consecutive world titles in the tournaments they entered, having chosen to skip the 1934 and 1938 World Cups. In regional competitions, Uruguay has won the Copa América 15 times — including the inaugural 1916 edition and most recently in 2011 — placing them second only to Argentina in the tournament's history for the most titles won. As of 2026, based on major international honors, Uruguay has won the second-highest number of major trophies, trailing only Argentina.

Throughout its history, Uruguay has consistently performed well in global football rankings, reaching second place in the FIFA World Rankings in June 2012. The team has also secured the top spot in the World Football Elo Ratings on several occasions. Over the years, Uruguay has developed numerous rivalries, the most significant being with neighboring Argentina — known as the "Clásico del Río de la Plata" due to their geographical proximity and cultural similarities — and with Brazil — known as the "Clásico del Río Negro", a reference to the 1950 FIFA World Cup final, famously known among fans as the "Maracanazo". Furthermore, FIFA officially recognizes Uruguay as a "Champion of World Champions" following its victory in the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup (also known as the 1980 "Mundialito"). This unique designation makes Uruguay the only national team in football history to be officially recognized by FIFA with this title.

1.) The Beginnings (1900-1916):

Historically, football played a fundamental role in consolidating Uruguayan national identity and shaping the country's international image in the early 20th century. Uruguay is one of the most successful teams in the world, having won nineteen official FIFA-recognized tournaments — a world record for senior national teams. These include:

• 2 World Cup titles,
• 2 Olympic titles,
• 15 Copa América titles.

Uruguay, along with Argentina, was the first national team to play an international match outside the British Isles; the game took place in Montevideo on May 16, 1901, with Argentina winning 3–2. However, as the squads were mixed teams rather than official national teams, the match is considered unofficial. Frank Chevallier Boutell, the president of the Argentine Football League, served as a linesman during the match.

There is evidence of an even earlier match - though not between the national teams of the two countries, but rather between representative squads from their capitals, Buenos Aires and Montevideo - held on August 15, 1889. The representative teams from the two capitals faced off to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign. The match reportedly took place at the so-called "New Ground" in La Blanqueada and ended in a 3–0 victory for the Buenos Aires team over the Montevideo side. The first official match between the national teams of Uruguay and Argentina was played on July 20, 1902, at the Albion ground; Argentina won 6–0 (a result that remains the most decisive away victory in the derby to this day). Eight of the players in the Uruguayan starting eleven were from the Nacional club. On September 13, 1903, Uruguay won its first match, defeating Argentina 3–2 in Buenos Aires with a squad composed entirely of Nacional players.

Their nickname, "La Celeste" ("The Sky Blues"), traces back to their first international victory on August 15, 1910, in Montevideo, where they beat Argentina 3–1 in the first match they played wearing sky-blue jerseys. This jersey was adopted as a national symbol in recognition of a recent 2–1 victory by River Plate — wearing the same colors — over the formidable Alumni Athletic Club of Buenos Aires.

2.) The first international successes (1916-1924):

Uruguay won the first two editions of the South American championship: the first was held in Buenos Aires in 1916, and the second in Montevideo in 1917. The Uruguayan national team became the continent's first champion after finishing ahead of Argentina at the 1916 Copa América, held in Buenos Aires. The tournament was played in a round-robin format; a 0–0 draw against Argentina in the final round secured the title for "La Celeste". Uruguay also won the following Copa América in 1917, this time as hosts. The title was again decided in the final round against Argentina; Uruguay won 1–0, becoming South American champions for the second consecutive time.

Uruguay reached the final again at the 1919 Copa América in Brazil. After playing out a 2–2 draw with the hosts, the teams were level on points, forcing a play-off match. Brazil won the play-off 1–0 to claim their first title, while Uruguay finished second.

At the 1920 Copa América in Chile, Uruguay once again entered the final match at the top of the standings and defeated the hosts 2–1, securing their third title. Argentina's victory over Brazil on the same day proved insufficient, and the Argentines finished in second place. Uruguay failed to secure the title at the 1921 (Argentina) and 1922 (Brazil) tournaments, finishing third in both competitions — first behind champions Argentina, and then behind hosts Brazil.

The Copa América returned to Uruguay in 1923 and 1924. In the 1923 edition, Uruguay and Argentina were tied for the lead heading into the final round. Uruguay defeated their rivals 2–0 at the Gran Parque Central, thereby securing the title. In 1924, a 0–0 draw against Argentina in the final round was enough for Uruguay to become champions once again, thanks to having achieved more victories during the tournament.

3.) The Golden Age – Olympic and World Champion (1924–1930):

Uruguay was the first South American country to participate in Olympic football tournaments. They made their debut at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, where they defeated Switzerland 3–0 in the final, thereby securing what FIFA recognizes as the first world championship involving non-amateur players. Uruguay returned in 1928, this time alongside Argentina (the 1927 Copa América winners). Both teams reached the final; Uruguay won 2–1 in a replay after the initial match ended in a 1–1 draw. Expectations for the final were so high that reportedly over 500.000 ticket requests were received from across Europe.

The Uruguayan national team dazzled Europe with its Olympic performances, earning admiration and respect worldwide. These victories thrust South American football into the spotlight at a time when the continent was largely overlooked in international sports. The Olympic tournaments of 1924 and 1928 were the only ones officially recognized by FIFA as world championships. This is why Uruguay is permitted to display four stars on its football crest, despite having won the FIFA World Cup "only" twice (in 1930 and 1950). Regarding the continent's successes during this period, Uruguay won the 1926 Copa América in Chile. The team did not participate in the 1925 Copa América in Argentina (won by the hosts), finished second behind Argentina in 1927, and placed third in 1929.

4.) 1930 World Cup:

Uruguay proposed hosting the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, and FIFA awarded the country the hosting rights to commemorate the centenary of the Uruguayan Constitution, alongside its status as Olympic champions. This decision was met with disapproval in Europe; critics argued that the tournament should be held there — specifically in England, the birthplace of football and its subsequent development. Concerns were also raised regarding the long journey and the high cost of traveling to South America.

However, even though the Uruguayan government offered to cover all expenses, many European nations still refused to participate. FIFA dismissed these complaints, arguing that the continent was still recovering from the aftermath of World War I, whereas Uruguay was enjoying peace and economic stability. Consequently, the first World Cup was held in Uruguay.

The tournament's opening matches were France vs. Mexico and the United States vs. Belgium; both kicked off at 3:00 PM on July 13, 1930. In the France–Mexico match, Lucien Laurent scored in the 19th minute, netting the first goal in World Cup history.

Uruguay — considered the strongest team due to their Olympic titles in 1924 and 1928 — made their debut on July 18, 1930, at the new Estadio Centenario, facing Peru in front of a crowd of approximately 50.000 spectators. Despite a poor performance, Uruguay won 1–0 with a goal from Héctor Castro, drawing some criticism from the press. In their next match on July 21, 1930, Uruguay defeated Romania 4–0 with goals from Pablo Dorado, Héctor Scarone, Pedro Cea, and Santos Iriarte, advancing to the semi-finals.

There, "La Celeste" faced Yugoslavia (a nation that no longer exists) and secured a convincing 6–1 victory thanks to a hat-trick from Cea, a brace from Santos Anselmo, and a goal from Iriarte, thereby booking their place in the final.

In the final match, played on July 30, 1930, before a crowd of 70.000, Uruguay once again faced their great rivals, Argentina — who were also considered favorites. Tension was high leading up to the match; reports suggested that the Uruguayans had disrupted the Argentines' training sessions during the tournament. In the final itself, Dorado gave Uruguay the lead after 12 minutes, but Argentina responded with goals from Carlos Peucelle and Guillermo Stábile, taking a 2–1 lead into halftime. Uruguay came out determined in the second half: Cea equalized in the 57th minute, Iriarte put them ahead in the 68th minute, and Castro sealed the 4–2 victory in the 89th minute. With this result, Uruguay became the first-ever world champion and secured their third consecutive title.

5.) Between 1940 and 1970:

In the 1940s, Uruguay achieved early success — during a decade largely dominated by Argentina — by winning its eighth South American Championship in 1942. With the World Cup not being held, this tournament became the priority.

In 1950, Uruguay returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1930. This time, "La Celeste" was placed in a final group stage, where they drew 2–2 with Spain and defeated Sweden 3–2 before facing hosts Brazil in the decisive match. On July 16, 1950, Uruguay secured its second World Cup title by coming from behind to defeat Brazil 2–1 in an iconic match known as the "Maracanazo", played before a record crowd of 173.850 spectators. Historical estimates suggest the actual attendance exceeded 200.000. This achievement became an integral part of Uruguay's footballing identity and has served as an inspiration for aspiring footballers across generations.

The final against Brazil began as expected, with Brazil on the attack for most of the first half. Unlike Spain and Sweden, however, the Uruguayans successfully held their defensive line, and the first half ended in a goalless draw. Brazil scored the opening goal just two minutes after the break when São Paulo forward Friaça fired a low shot past goalkeeper Roque Máspoli. After the goal, Obdulio Varela took possession of the ball and challenged its validity with the referee, arguing that Friaça had been offside. Varela persisted with this argument, going so far as to demand that the referee hear him out with the help of an interpreter. By the time the conversation concluded, the crowd had quieted down. Varela then carried the ball to the center of the pitch and shouted to his team: "Now is the time to win!"

Uruguay managed to take control of the match. Faced with a skillful Uruguayan attack, Brazil’s defensive frailties were exposed, and Juan Alberto Schiaffino equalized in the 66th minute. Later, with just 11 minutes remaining, Alcides Ghiggia raced down the right flank and scored another goal with a low shot that slipped right under goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa — who, having anticipated a cross from Ghiggia's position, was a split-second too late in diving to stop the ball from rolling beneath him. The crowd fell virtually silent after Uruguay's second goal, and the match ended 2–1 in Uruguay's favor under English referee George Reader.

At the 1954 World Cup, Uruguay reached the semi-finals for the fourth time after defeating Czechoslovakia, Scotland, and England. Their semi-final match against Hungary is considered one of the greatest games in World Cup history, as "La Celeste" staged a dramatic comeback to level the score at 2–2 after trailing 2–0 at half-time. Uruguay ultimately lost 4–2 in extra time — marking their first-ever defeat on the global stage and ending a 30-year unbeaten run that had begun in 1924. Subsequently, Uruguay failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time during the 1958 CONMEBOL qualifiers, following a 5–0 loss to Paraguay in Asunción. From then on, Uruguay maintained a competitive squad throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, featuring players from Nacional and Peñarol who won multiple continental and world club titles during that era. Uruguay performed relatively poorly at the 1962 World Cup, exiting in the group stage following a dramatic final match against the Soviet Union. Four years later, in 1966, Uruguay reached the quarter-finals; however, a controversial defeat to West Germany overshadowed a campaign otherwise viewed positively. At the end of the decade, in 1967, "La Celeste" secured their 11th Copa América title by defeating Argentina 1–0 in Montevideo.

6.) Between 1970-1990:

In 1970, Uruguay reached the World Cup semi-finals in Mexico, where they were defeated by the eventual champions, Brazil. They were eliminated in the group stage of the 1974 World Cup and failed to qualify for the 1978 tournament, which was held in neighboring Argentina. Uruguayan football subsequently experienced a resurgence; the U-20 team won four consecutive South American titles between 1975 and 1981 and reached the semi-finals of the 1979 U-20 World Cup. The success of this young generation bore fruit in the 1980s, beginning with Uruguay's victory in the 1980 Mundialito — a tournament featuring various World Cup-winning nations, held to commemorate the competition's 50th anniversary. Subsequently, "La Celeste" won the Copa América in both 1983 and 1987, before losing 1–0 to hosts Brazil in the 1989 final. After failing to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, Uruguay was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 1986 tournament by eventual champions Argentina, following a group stage campaign that included matches against West Germany, Denmark, and Scotland.

7.) Between 1990-2010:

At the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Uruguay lost 2–0 to the hosts, Italy, in the Round of 16 in Rome. Subsequently, Uruguay failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup after losing 2–0 to eventual champions Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium during the qualifiers. "La Celeste" then defeated the world champions to win the 1995 Copa América in Montevideo. Later, Uruguay also missed out on the 1998 World Cup, finishing seventh in their qualifying group.

During the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Uruguay reached the final play-off against Australia; they won the tie, thereby securing their place at the World Cup. "La Celeste" won the match against the Australians 3–0 in Montevideo, qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1990. At the World Cup, Uruguay was eliminated in a tight contest during their final group match against Senegal; despite trailing 3–0 at halftime, they fought back to secure a 3–3 draw, though it was not enough to advance.

In the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, they were once again forced into an intercontinental play-off against Australia. This time, "La Celeste" was eliminated on penalties in Sydney. This defeat led to a major shift in direction, marked by the appointment of Óscar Tabárez as manager. Subsequently, Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the 2007 Copa América and successfully qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

8.) From 2010:

In 2010, a new generation of footballers — led by Luis Suárez, Diego Forlán, and Edinson Cavani — formed a team that finished fourth at the World Cup. Uruguay began the tournament with a goalless draw against France, followed by victories over South Africa (3–0) and Mexico (1–0), topping their group with 7 points. In the Round of 16, they defeated South Korea 2–1; thanks to a brace from Suárez, Uruguay secured a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. The match against Ghana ended 1–1, forcing the game into extra time. Both teams had chances during extra time, but Suárez blocked the ball with his hand inside the penalty area, earning a red card. Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan missed the resulting penalty, sending the match to a shootout, where Uruguay won 4–2 to advance to the semi-finals. They faced the Netherlands in the semi-final but lost 3–2. In the third-place play-off against Germany, they lost 3–2 once again. Uruguay thus finished fourth in the tournament — their best result in 40 years — and Forlán was named the tournament's best player.

A year later, they won the Copa América for the first time in 16 years, breaking the record for the most successful team in South America. Luis Suárez was ultimately named Player of the Tournament.

At the 2014 World Cup, Uruguay was drawn into Group D alongside Costa Rica, England, and Italy. In their opening match, they were surprised by Costa Rica, losing 3–1 despite having taken the lead in the first half. They went on to defeat England 2–1 — with Suárez scoring twice immediately after returning from injury — and then beat Italy 1–0, finishing second in their group and advancing to the Round of 16. During the match against Italy, striker Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the left shoulder. Two days later, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee banned Suárez for nine matches — the longest such suspension in World Cup history, surpassing the eight-match ban handed to Italy's Mauro Tassotti in 1994 for breaking the nose of Spain's Luis Enrique. Additionally, Suárez was banned from all football-related activities (including entering stadiums) for four months and fined 100,000 Swiss francs. In the Round of 16, Uruguay faced Colombia but lost 2–0, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.

In the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa América, Uruguay — missing suspended striker Luis Suárez — was eliminated in the quarter-finals and the group stage, respectively. Uruguay subsequently finished second in the qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. At the tournament, they won their group after securing three victories and advanced to the quarter-finals following a 2–1 win over Portugal. However, they lost 2–0 in the quarter-finals to the eventual champions, France.

At the 2022 World Cup, Uruguay was drawn into Group H alongside Portugal, Ghana, and South Korea. They opened the tournament with a 0–0 draw against South Korea before suffering a 2–0 defeat to Portugal. Despite beating Ghana 2–0 in their final group match, Uruguay was eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 2002, losing out on goal difference following South Korea's surprise 2–1 victory over Portugal.

9.) Kits and Badge:

Between 1901 and 1910, Uruguay wore various jerseys for its matches. The first jersey worn was that of Albion FC, used during the national team's unofficial debut against Argentina in 1901. This was followed by several other designs, including a solid green jersey and even one featuring the colors of the Artigas flag.

On April 10, 1910, the now-defunct River Plate club defeated the Argentine team Alumni 2–1. For that match, River Plate wore a light blue jersey because their home kit was similar to Alumni's. Ricardo LeBas proposed that Uruguay wear a light blue jersey to honor River Plate's victory over Alumni. This proposal was approved by Héctor Gómez, the president of the Uruguayan Football Association. The light blue ("Celeste") jersey made its debut on August 15, 1910, in a Copa Lipton match against Argentina. The red jersey — previously used as an away kit — was first employed at the 1935 South American Championship held in Santa Beatriz, Peru, a tournament Uruguay won. It was not worn again until 1991 (with the exception of a 1962 World Cup match against Colombia), when it was officially adopted as the away jersey.

Uruguay displays four stars on its emblem. This is unique in world football, as two of the stars represent the gold medals won at the 1924 and 1928 Summer Olympics — the only editions recognized by FIFA as senior world championships. In 2021, after a FIFA official contacted PUMA regarding the modification of the team's crest, FIFA once again confirmed and approved the use of all four stars on the jersey.

10.) Stadium:

Since 1930, Uruguay has played its home matches at the Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo. The stadium was built to commemorate the centenary of Uruguay's first constitution and had a capacity of 90.000 upon its full opening. It hosted numerous matches during the 1930 World Cup, including the final, which was watched by a crowd of 93.000.

V. HISTORY OF THE CLUB:

1.) In general:

Club Atlético Peñarol, better known simply as Peñarol, is a professional Uruguayan football club based in Montevideo. The club currently competes in the Uruguayan Primera División, the top tier of Uruguayan football.

The club takes its name from a neighborhood on the outskirts of Montevideo, which itself was named after Pinerolo, a town in the Turin metropolitan area of ​​Italy's Piemont region. The club's origins date back to September 28, 1891, when it was founded — primarily by British railway workers — as the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club (CURCC) for the purpose of playing cricket. It was renamed Peñarol on December 13, 1913. The question of continuity between CURCC and Peñarol's football section has sparked significant debate in Uruguayan football; some experts argue that while Peñarol inherited CURCC's traditions and shares a sociological continuity with it, they are legally distinct entities, given that CURCC supposedly existed until its dissolution on January 22, 1915 — albeit as a recreational branch for railway employees at that time. However, the Uruguayan Football Association has recognized Peñarol as the continuation of CURCC since 1914.

By the 1910s, Peñarol was beginning to establish itself as a promising club in both the domestic and international football arenas. The inauguration of the 1930 FIFA World Cup helped boost the profile of Uruguayan football — and Peñarol in particular — with several team members hailing from the club's own youth ranks. The early 1940s ushered in a "Golden Generation" for Peñarol; over the subsequent four decades, the club won numerous international tournaments led by generational talents such as Diego Aguirre, Néstor Gonçalves, Fernando Morena, Juan Alberto Schiaffino, Ladislao Mazurkiewicz, and Alberto Spencer. By the 1990s, however, Peñarol's form had begun to decline, resulting in fewer domestic and international titles compared to previous decades. Nevertheless, the club has experienced a resurgence in international competitions since the 2010s.

Although CURCC's original colors were black and orange, throughout its history Peñarol has consistently identified with yellow and black — colors inspired by “Stephenson's Rocket” and the railway workers' union. Over the years, the club has participated in other sports such as athletics, basketball, cycling, futsal, rugby union, and women's football. However, its primary focus has always been men's football, a sport in which the club excels. Since 2016, the club has played its matches at the 40.000-seat Estadio Campeón del Siglo; prior to that, it played at the Estadio Centenario from 1933 onwards. Peñarol currently has 80.000 members.

Peñarol is considered one of the most prestigious football clubs in the sport. In September 2009, the IFFHS recognized the club as the best South American club of the 20th century. In international competition, Peñarol ranks third in terms of Copa Libertadores titles, having won the trophy five times (1960, 1961, 1966, 1982, 1987), and shares the record for Intercontinental Cup victories with three wins (1961, 1966, 1982).

In domestic football, Peñarol has won 42 tournaments in its own right, and a total of 51 championships when including titles won by its predecessor. The club has never been relegated and has several long-standing rivals, the most significant being the “El Clásico Uruguayo” against Club Nacional de Football. The derby is considered one of the oldest rivalries in international football; their first meeting took place on July 15, 1900, resulting in a 2–0 victory for Peñarol. Since then, they have faced each other more than 500 times. As of 2024, Peñarol leads the head-to-head record.

2.) Origins:

On September 28, 1891, employees of the Central Uruguay Railway Company founded the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club (CURCC) in Montevideo with the aim of promoting the practice of cricket, rugby, and "other men's sports".

The Central Uruguay Railway Company had been operating in Uruguay since 1878 with a workforce of 118 employees, comprising 72 Britons, 45 Uruguayans, and 1 German. The club was known as CURCC in the Peñarol area — the latter name originating from the Peñarol district located approximately 10 kilometers from Montevideo, which itself took its name from an Italian city. The club's first president was Frank Henderson, who held the position until 1899.

In 1892, CURCC shifted its focus from cricket and rugby to football. The football club played its first match against a team of students from the English high school, resulting in a 2–0 victory. In 1895, Uruguayan footballer JulioNegrón was elected as the team's first non-British captain.

3.) Early successes:

In 1900, CURCC was one of the four founding members of the Uruguayan Football League; it made its official competitive debut on June10, 1900, against Albion, winning 2–1. The club won its first Uruguayan championship that year — a feat it repeated in 1901, 1905, and 1907. In 1906, Charles W. Bayne took over the railway company and refused to sponsor the football team due to financial and labor-related concerns. The conflict between the company and the football club eventually led to a severance of their relationship in 1913.

In 1908, the club withdrew from the Uruguayan championship after the league rejected its request to replay a match against FC Dublin. CURCC had lost 2–3 away and believed that its poor performance was caused by refereeing errors resulting from pressure exerted by angry home fans. As a gesture of good faith, Nacional also withdrew from the championship, as both teams agreed that "Los partidos se ganan en la cancha" — meaning "matches are won on the pitch." The following year, after returning to the competition, relations between the railway company and the club turned frosty after fans set fire to a railway carriage used by rival teams.

A year after the club won the Uruguayan championship in 1911, it attempted to reform its policies. Proposals included greater participation by non-CUR players and a name change to "CURCC Peñarol." These proposals were rejected in June 1913, as the company sought to distance itself from the club's local reputation. The railway company decided to separate the team's football division from the corporation on Saturday, December 13, 1913; this marked the founding of Peñarol. The following day, the first official "El Clásico" match between Nacional and Peñarol took place. CURCC continued to play football on an amateur basis until its dissolution on January 22, 1915, donating all its trophies to the British Hospital in Montevideo rather than to Peñarol.

4.) C.A. Penarol:

On March 12, 1914, Peñarol took over CURCC's place in the Uruguayan Football League following its establishment in 1913. Two days later, they submitted a formal request to the league, which was approved the following day. Peñarol did not enjoy immediate success, although a new stadium, Las Acacias, opened on May 19, 1916. The club went on to win its first two league titles in 1918 and 1920.

In November 1922, the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol (AUF) expelled Peñarol because the club had played an exhibition match against Racing — an Argentine club affiliated with the Asociación Amateurs de Football, a dissident organization formed in 1919 that rivaled the official body, the AFA. Peñarol and other clubs subsequently organized a new league, the Uruguayan Football Federation (FUF), and the club won the 1924 championship. This league was short-lived. Peñarol won the 1926 Copa del Consejo Provisorio, a victory that paved the way for the merger of the AUF and the FUF.

5.) First European tour:

In 1927, Peñarol toured Europe for the first time, playing a total of 19 matches against German, Swiss, Austrian, Spanish, Czechoslovak, and French teams. The tour lasted from April to June. The opening match was played against a team from Vienna, which Peñarol lost 3–1. The Uruguayan side subsequently played against Bayern Munich (1–2), SpVgg (1–2), and Hertha BSC (0–1). They secured their first victory against Eintracht Frankfurt (3–1); the starting lineup for this match consisted of Luis Biscardi, Demis D’Agosto, José Benincasa, Pascual Ruotta, Gildeón Silva, Antonio Aguerre, Ladislao Pérez, Antonio Sacco, Pablo Terevinto, Peregrín Anselmo, and Antonio Campolo. The goals were scored by Suffiotti (2) and Ruotta. The tour continued in Switzerland with matches against Young Fellows (1–0) and Rapid Vienna (0–5), followed by a game against Sparta Prague (a 1–0 loss).

On June 5, 1927, Peñarol played its first match in Spain against FC Barcelona, ​​losing 1–5. A second match was played a day later, ending in a 1–1 draw. Other notable matches on the tour included two games against Atlético Madrid (5–2 and 4–3). Peñarol played a total of 19 matches over 80 days (6 in Spain, 5 in Germany, 4 in Switzerland, and 1 each in Czechoslovakia and France), recording 7 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses. The team scored 32 goals and conceded 33, with Antonio Sacco finishing as the top scorer with 9 goals. Following its first European tour in 1927, Peñarol won the Uruguayan championship in 1928 and 1929; the following year, the club defeated Olimpia 1–0 in its first match at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.

6.) Consolidation:

In 1932, Peñarol and River Plate played the first match of the professional era. Peñarol won the inaugural Uruguayan Professional Championship with 40 points — five more than the runners-up, Rampla Juniors. After finishing second in 1933 and 1934, the club won four consecutive league titles between 1935 and 1938; they also won the Torneo Competencia in 1936.

The club remained in second place until 1944, when Peñarol once again won the Uruguayan championship (defeating Nacional in a two-legged final, 0–0 and 3–2). In 1945, the club retained the title, with Nicolás Falero and Raúl Schiaffino finishing as the top scorers with 21 goals each. Peñarol triumphed again in 1949, finishing four points ahead of runners-up Nacional, with Óscar Míguez emerging as the top scorer.

After finishing as runners-up in 1950, Peñarol won the Uruguayan championship the following year; this also marked the beginning of the four-year construction of the Palacio Peñarol. During the 1950s, the club also won national championships in 1953, 1954, 1958, and 1959.

7.) International successes:

Their 1959 league title qualified Peñarol for the newly established Copa Libertadores, an international competition then known as the Copa de Campeones de América. Peñarol won the first two tournaments, defeating Paraguay's Olimpia in 1960 and Brazil's Palmeiras in 1961. That same year, the club won its first Intercontinental Cup, defeating Portugal's Benfica 2–1 in the third match. Peñarol won three additional league titles (1960, 1961, and 1962), securing five consecutive championships. Béla Guttmann served as the team's coach in 1962.

After a quiet 1963, Peñarol won the Uruguayan championship in 1964 and 1965, as well as the Copa Libertadores in 1966, defeating River Plate 4–2. That year, the club won its second Intercontinental Cup, beating Real Madrid 2–0 across matches at the Centenario Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu. Over the next few years, the club won national championships in 1967 and 1968, and the Intercontinental Supercup in 1969 (a tournament featuring South American Intercontinental Cup winners). Peñarol held the longest unbeaten streak in the history of the Uruguayan championship: 56 matches, spanning from September 3, 1966, to September 14, 1968. Alberto Spencer, the all-time top scorer of the Copa Libertadores, played for Peñarol during this period.

In 1970, the club once again reached the Libertadores final, where they were defeated by Estudiantes de La Plata. The club set a tournament record for the largest margin of victory by beating the Venezuelan side Valencia 11–2. Led by star player Fernando Morena, the club won the Uruguayan championship for three consecutive years, from 1973 to 1975. After finishing as runners-up in 1976 and 1977, Peñarol triumphed again in 1978. That year, Morena set two records: the most goals in a single Uruguayan season (36) and the most goals in a single match (seven, against Huracán Buceo on July 16). The 1970s concluded with another championship title in 1979. Morena was the top scorer of the Uruguayan league six times in a row and the top scorer of the Copa Libertadores in 1974 and 1975.

After starting the 1980s with a third-place finish in 1981, Peñarol won the Uruguayan championship with Fernando Morena and Rubén Paz (the league's top scorer). The following season, the club won the Copa Libertadores again, defeating the Chilean side Cobreloa 1–0 thanks to a goal scored in the final minutes of the match by Fernando Morena (who was the tournament's top scorer with seven goals). Later that same year, the club won the Uruguayan championship and its third Intercontinental Cup, defeating Aston Villa 2–0.

Despite financial difficulties in the 1980s, Peñarol won the national championship in 1985 and 1986, and secured their fifth Copa Libertadores title in 1987. The club defeated América de Cali 1–0 thanks to a goal scored by Diego Aguirre in the final seconds of extra time — a moment that prevented the Colombians from winning on goal difference. This marked Peñarol's third Copa Libertadores victory, following their triumphs in 1966 and 1982.

Peñarol celebrated its centenary in 1991, despite a dispute raised by its arch-rival, Nacional, regarding the club's 1913 name change. With Pablo Bengoechea and a young AntonioPacheco in the squad, and Gregorio Pérez at the helm, Peñarol once again won the Uruguayan championship five times in a row (1993–1997). The club reached the Copa Conmebol final in both 1994 and 1995, and closed out the century in 1999 with a national championship title (defeating Nacional 2–1 in the final, under the management of Julio Ribas).

The following year, Peñarol lost the Uruguayan championship final to Nacional. Peñarol won the national championship again in 2003 under the guidance of Diego Aguirre, defeating Nacional in the final. The club did not secure another national title until the 2009–2010 season, when they won the Clausura tournament with 14 victories in 15 matches (including 12 consecutive wins). In the Clausura final, Peñarol defeated Nacional 2–1. This championship victory qualified the team for the 2011 Copa Libertadores, where Peñarol reached the final against Santos.

8.) Badge and colors:

Throughout the club's history, its symbols have undergone minor changes, yet it has retained its original colors. The shield and flag were designed by architect Constante Facello and consist of five black stripes, four yellow stripes, and 11 yellow stars on a black background (symbolizing the 11 players). Yellow and black have been Peñarol's colors since its inception; these colors were inspired by the “Rocket” locomotive — designed by George Stephenson — which won an award in 1829. The initial kit was a simple shirt divided into four square sections that alternated between black and yellow. One version featured two vertical halves (black on the right and black-and-yellow striped on the left), paired with black shorts and socks. Peñarol's official kit (black and yellow stripes) dates back to 1911 and has been worn almost continuously, with only minor variations.

Peñarol inspired the Romanian club FC Brașov to change its official colors from blue and white to yellow and black in 1966. This change followed a tournament in Uruguay played by the Romanian Olympic football team. After a match against Peñarol, FC Brașov player Csaba Györffy received the jersey worn by Peñarol captain Alberto Spencer. Györffy was impressed by the combination of yellow and black stripes and decided to wear that jersey during team training sessions after returning home. Coach Silviu Ploeşteanu decided to change the club's colors, believing that the team would be more visible on the pitch in the new colors. Since 1967, the official colors of the Brașov team have been yellow and black, reminiscent of Peñarol.

9.) Infrastructure:

Peñarol's first stadium was the José Pedro Damiani, also known as Las Acacias. It was purchased in 1913 and inaugurated on April 19, 1916, with a 3–1 victory over Nacional. The stadium's gate came from the former Estadio Pocitos — Peñarol's original home ground — where the first goal in the history of the FIFA World Cup was scored in 1930.

The stadium is located in the Marconi neighborhood of Montevideo. It features a pitch area of ​​37.949 square meters and a capacity of 12.000 spectators. Because Peñarol was unable to play there due to safety concerns, the club's home ground became the city-owned Estadio Centenario. Opened on July 18, 1930, the Centenario is located in Parque Batlle and has a capacity of 65.235. Las Acacias served as the home ground for all of Peñarol's youth teams.

On September 28, 2012, the club proposed a 40.000-seat stadium in the suburbs of Montevideo, approximately 7 kilometers from Carrasco International Airport. Their newest stadium is named “Campeón del Siglo”; it opened in March 2016 and has served as their home ground ever since.

Located in downtown Montevideo, the “Palacio Peñarol” serves as the club's headquarters and basketball arena. Opened on June 21, 1955, it covers an area of ​​3.896 square meters. In addition to basketball, it houses the club's museum and offices. Following the collapse of the “Cilindro Municipal” in October 2010, the “Palacio Peñarol” became a key venue for Uruguayan basketball. The “Complejo Deportivo Washington Cataldi” — better known as “Los Aromos” — is the training ground for the first team. Located in Villa Los Aromos, Barros Blancos (in the Canelones Department), the “Los Aromos” site was purchased in 1945; the facility was built over the course of two years under the direction of architect José Donato.

The “Centro de Alto Rendimiento” (High-Performance Center) was inaugurated to mark the club's 118th anniversary. Opened on September 28, 2009, the new facility comprises five football pitches, a weight room, and an indoor hall with an artificial turf surface. The Frank Henderson School — named after the club's first president — is located a few kilometers from the “Centro de Alto Rendimiento”. It was built to foster the development of the club's young players and provides accommodation for those arriving from other regions.

10.) Fans:

In Uruguayan football, loyalty to either Peñarol or Nacional divides the country. The clubs are evenly matched and boast large fanbases. Numerous polls have been conducted, yet none have been conclusive. In 1993, the consultancy firm Factum reported that Peñarol was the favorite team of 41 percent of football fans, while 38 percent supported Nacional. Factum conducted another survey in 2006, confirming its earlier findings: Peñarol at 45 percent and Nacional at 35 percent.

MPC Consultants surveyed 9.000 Uruguayan residents; Peñarol held 45 percent of the fan base, and Nacional 38 percent. An online poll conducted by the website Sportsvs.com showed Nacional at 50,35 percent and Peñarol at 49,45 percent.

Since its formation, Peñarol's “Barra Brava” (organized fan group) has been involved in violence against other clubs and the Uruguayan police. Incidents provoked by fans have cost Peñarol a total of 31 points since 1994. These penalties affected the team's participation in three tournaments (Apertura 1994, Clausura 1997, and Clausura 2002).

In 2010, the club attempted to expand its fan base to improve its sustainability. During the 2010 Clausura, they offered promotions, hired marketing managers, and encouraged the formation of “peñas” (local supporters' clubs). The campaign was successful: by February 2013, the club had over 62.000 members, making it the largest supporters' club in Uruguay.

The Uruguayan derby between Peñarol and Nacional dates back to 1900, making it the oldest football rivalry outside the British Isles. The first match between Nacional and CURCC took place on July 15, 1900, ending in a 2–0 victory for CURCC. CURCC held the lead initially, but Nacional caught up in the late 1910s. By 1948, Nacional held a 14-match lead, an advantage they maintained until the late 1970s (with the exception of a brief period in 1968). Since then, Peñarol has held the lead; their longest advantage was 26 matches, recorded in January 2004. 

Including both the amateur and professional eras, as well as league and friendly matches, the teams have met 511 times: 

• Peñarol has won 182 matches,
• Nacional has won 166 matches,
• 163 matches have ended in a draw.

A remarkable match for Peñarol fans took place on October 9, 1949, during the first round of the Uruguayan Cup — a game known as the “Clásico de la fuga” (the "Escape Derby"). Peñarol was leading 2–0 at the end of the first half, but Nacional decided not to return for the second. While Peñarol supporters believe Nacional wanted to avoid defeat at the hands of the Peñarol squad known as the “Máquina del 49” ("Machine of '49"), Nacional fans claim the move was a protest against poor officiating.

On April 23, 1987, a friendly match between Peñarol and Nacional was tied at 1–1 with 22 minutes remaining when three Peñarol players (José Perdomo, José Herrera, and Ricardo Viera) were sent off following a foul and the ensuing protests. Peñarol then had to face the full Nacional squad with only eight players on the pitch. Eight minutes before the end, Diego Aguirre crossed the ball to Jorge Cabrera, who scored the winning goal. The “aurinegros” dubbed this victory the “Clásico de los 8 contra 11” (the "8-against-11 derby").

Peñarol and Nacional have faced each other 13 times in the Uruguayan championship final, with Peñarol winning on eight occasions. The most recent encounter was in 2018, when Peñarol won the championship 2–1.

In early October 2011, the documentary “Manyas: The Movie”, which focuses on Peñarol fans, premiered in Uruguay. Produced by Kafka Films and Sacromonte and directed by Andrés Benvenuto, the film features interviews with fans, football journalists, psychologists, and politicians. “Manyas: The Movie” was designated as being of cultural interest by the Uruguayan Ministry of Education and Culture and of ministerial importance by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. The film’s premiere was the most successful among Uruguayan films, selling 13.000 tickets in the opening weekend and 30.000 within the first 15 days. After raising $35.000 through raffles and donations, Peñarol fans unveiled the largest flag ever displayed in the stadium on April 12, 2011. Years later, Nacional unfurled an even larger one that covered three of the stadium's stands. Measuring 309 meters in length and 46 meters in width—with a surface area of ​​14.124 square meters — the flag covered one and a half stands at the Centenario Stadium. In 2013, Club Nacional de Football displayed a flag measuring 600 meters by 50 meters. It is currently the largest flag in the world.

11.) Famous players:

Néstor Gonçalves holds the record for the most official matches played in the club's history (571 matches) between April 28, 1957, and November 28, 1970. The team's all-time top scorers in the Primera División are Fernando Morena (203), Alberto Spencer (113), and Óscar Míguez (107). Morena — whose total of 230 goals (203 with Peñarol and 27 with River Plate) makes him the Uruguayan League's highest-scoring player — also holds the record for the most goals scored for Peñarol (440). He scored the most goals in a single Uruguayan season (36 in 1978) and is the club's second-highest scorer in international competitions with 37 goals (behind Alberto Spencer, who scored 58 goals between 1960 and 1970). Spencer and Morena are among the top scorers in the history of the Copa Libertadores, having scored 48 and 37 goals respectively for Peñarol.

Peñarol has made a significant contribution to the Uruguayan national football team. Three Peñarol players were part of the Uruguayan squad that played against Argentina in 1905. Five Peñarol players featured in the Uruguayan team that won the 1930 FIFA World Cup: goalkeeper Miguel Capuccini, defender Peregrino Anselmo, and midfielders Lorenzo Fernández, Álvaro Gestido, and Carlos Riolfo. Nine Peñarol players were part of the Uruguayan squad that won the 1950 World Cup: goalkeeper Roque Máspoli; defenders Juan Carlos González and Washington Ortuño; midfielders Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Obdulio Varela; and forwards Ernesto Vidal, Julio César Britos, and Óscar Míguez. Schiaffino and Ghiggia scored the team's two goals in the “Maracanazo” — the decisive final match against Brazil. Peñarol is the only club to have represented Uruguay in every one of its World Cup appearances.

12.) Managers:

Although precise data regarding managers from the amateur era of Uruguayan football is unavailable, Peñarol has had a total of 63 coaches during its professional era. The first manager was Leonardo de Luca, who coached the team for two years and won the Uruguayan championship in 1932 (the first professional tournament in Uruguay).

Of these 63 managers:

• 53 were uruguayan;
• 2 were hungarian (Imre Hirschl and Béla Guttmann),
• 2 were english (John Harley and Randolph Galloway),
• 2 were argentinen (Jorge Kistenmacher and César Luis Menotti)
• 2 were brazilian (Osvaldo Brandão and Dino Sani)
• 1 was serbian (Ljupko Petrović),
• 1 was chilean (Mario Tuane).

Hugo Bagnulo and Gregorio Pérez coached Peñarol for the longest periods, each leading the first team for eight seasons — Bagnulo across four separate stints and Pérez across five. Athuel Velásquez held the record for the longest uninterrupted tenure at Peñarol (five consecutive years between 1935 and 1940). Bagnulo holds the record for the most Uruguayan championship titles (five), followed by Pérez and Velásquez with four each. In international competitions, Roberto Scarone was the most successful manager, winning two Copa Libertadores titles and one Intercontinental Cup with the team.

VI. URUGUAYAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The Liga AUF Uruguaya — also known as the Liga Profesional de Primera División and, for sponsorship reasons, the "Torneo Uruguayo Copa Coca-Cola" — is Uruguay's top professional football league, organized by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF). The inaugural championship took place in 1900; it remained an amateur competition until 1932, when the league turned professional. Between 1900 and 2024, 121 top-flight seasons were held. In 2011, the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) ranked the Uruguayan Primera División as the 23rd toughest football league in the world for the 21st century. Peñarol is the most successful Uruguayan club, with 52 league titles, followed by Nacional with 50.

1.) History:

The Uruguayan Primera División was first held in 1900. Between 1923 and 1925, during a schism in Uruguayan football, a breakaway league known as the “Federación Uruguaya de Football” (FUF) was formed. This organization operated alongside the official association (AUF). After the Uruguayan government intervened to dissolve the FUF, a Provisional Council organized a championship in 1926 aimed at reuniting the two organizations; Peñarol won the tournament's Serie A. However, neither the AUF nor FIFA recognized the titles from championships organized by the FUF or the Provisional Council.

Between 1930 and 1975, either Nacional or Peñarol won every title. This streak was finally broken when Defensor Sporting won its first title in 1976. Apart from Nacional and Peñarol, no other club has won consecutive titles. Both Peñarol (from 1958 to 1962 and 1993 to 1997) and Nacional (from 1939 to 1943) hold the record for winning five consecutive titles. The longest period during which neither Peñarol nor Nacional won the title occurred between 1987 and 1991, when Defensor Sporting, Danubio, Progreso, Bella Vista, and Defensor Sporting (again) won the five championships played during that time. After 1994, the competition was split into two stages—the opening championship (Torneo Apertura) and the closing championship (Torneo Clausura)—with a two-legged final held at the end of the season between the winners of these two tournaments. Originally, like other South American football leagues, the championship followed the calendar year. In 2005, the league adopted the "European season" format — running from summer to summer — to prevent clubs from losing numerous players mid-season. A special short season was held in the first half of 2005 to determine qualification for international competitions. During the 2005–2006 season, the winners of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments played a two- (or three-) stage playoff; the winner of this playoff then faced the top team from the overall standings to decide the champion for the 2005–2006 season.

In the 2006–2007 season, the league was reduced to 16 clubs. The 2008–2009 season was intended to be the last under the "European season" format, as the system appeared unable to prevent clubs from losing players between the Apertura (opening) and Clausura (closing) tournaments. However, the transition period lasted several years. Following the regular 2015–2016 season, a short 2016 season was played in the second half of the year, and from the 2017 season onwards, the full calendar-year system was reinstated.A total of 60 teams have participated in the Primera División since its inception in 1900. 

Nacional has played the most seasons, followed by Peñarol. Peñarol and Nacional are the only two teams that have never been relegated from the Primera 

División. Among the so-called "smaller" clubs, Montevideo Wanderers holds the record for the most seasons played.

2.) Most successful clubs:

As of the end of 2025, the following ranking has emerged among the teams participating in the championship regarding the league titles won:

3.) Championship format and rules:

The championship (Primera División / Liga AUF Uruguaya) operates under a unique format consisting of three stages:1.) Apertura,2.) Torneo Intermedio,3.) Clausura.The 16-team field plays full rounds of matches, and the final champion is determined by the playoffs.

Apertura:

A separate championship held in the first half of the year. It is a 15-round stage (where everyone plays everyone else once). The winner automatically qualifies for the end-of-season championship playoffs.

Torneo Intermedio:

It takes place between the Apertura and the Clausura and consists of just 7 rounds. The teams are divided into two groups of eight (based on the odd and even finishing positions from the Apertura). The two group winners play a final against each other, with the winner receiving a trophy and a berth in an nternational cup competition.

Clausura:

A separate championship held in the second half of the year. It is a 15-round stage (where every team plays every other team once) — with the home/away advantage reversed compared to the Apertura stage. The winner automatically qualifies for the season-ending championship playoffs.

Overall standings (Tabla Anual):

 The teams' annual ranking after 37 rounds is determined by the combined points from the three stages (Apertura / Torneo Intermedio / Clausura). The winner of the overall standings secures a seeded position in the playoffs.

The championship final (Playoff):

The semi-final is contested by the winners of the Apertura and Clausura. The winner of this tie faces the winner of the overall standings (Tabla Anual) in the final to decide the championship title. (Exception: If the winner of the overall standings also wins the Apertura or the Clausura — or both — they automatically qualify for the final championship title or the final match.)

VII. THE BEGINNING OF THE CAREER

After presenting the general information and the club's background, I dove right into the career.

Basic data, rules:

I started the game with an extra-large database; a total of 141.000 players were loaded using the 24.3.0 database. I loaded all South American leagues and disabled the use of the In-Game Editor.

Among South American national teams, Uruguay ranks third, behind Argentina and Brazil. The Uruguayan league was ranked sixth among South American leagues; to my surprise, the Colombian, Paraguayan, and Ecuadorian leagues were ranked higher. A total of eight teams from the domestic league qualify for international competitions: 

• 4 participate in the Copa Libertadores,
• 4 compete in the Copa Sudamericana.

Before the season, the media predicted the club would finish in fourth place in their season preview. Surprisingly, the team didn't have a single season-ticket holder, though at least 417.100 fans followed its social media channels. This year, the team will compete in the Copa Sudamericana — the international tournament on the schedule — where I aim to advance as far as possible and secure substantial prize money, as the club is in desperate need of a financial boost.

The club boasted excellent infrastructure; alongside the 40.000-seat stadium, I had at my disposal:

• a training center rated 11,
• a youth academy rated 16,
• ratings of 14 for youth training
• 15 for youth recruitment.

Successes to date:

The club boasts an astonishing number of trophies, having secured a total of 73 titles throughout its history.

On the domestic stage, it has won 65 trophies:

• 51 league titles,
• 12 La Liguilla Pre-Libertadores titles,
• 2 Uruguayan Super Cups.

Internationally, it holds 8 trophies:

• 5 Copa Libertadores titles
• 3 Intercontinental Cups

The club and has appeared in international cup finals on 11 occasions.

Over the past three-plus decades, the club has played a pivotal role in the championship, consistently finishing on the podium with only a few exceptions.

Finances:

The club is in a very precarious financial position — even by South American standards — with only €792.166 available in the coffers at the start. Of this amount, the board allocated just €32.670 for transfers. Our initial weekly wage budget was €112.170. With €110.342 already committed to the existing squad's salaries, I had a mere €1.828 of disposable wage budget at my disposal. The board also allocated only €116.657 annually for scouting.

I encountered the most unpleasant surprise when I reviewed the sponsorship funds, as that was when I discovered the club had absolutely no sponsorship revenue…

In contrast, there were substantial debts. Overall, we had a net debt of €9.403.334, and when factoring in transfers, the club was €2.040.892 in the red. In total, the club held bank loans amounting to €12.250.000, which must be repaid by 2032 in monthly installments of €100.000.

After reviewing the finances, it became clear that I would not really be able to make any signings from the current budget, so I would have to prioritize preparing for future transfers.

Expectations:

The board generally expected me to enhance the club's reputation and set a clear objective for me to field players promoted from the youth academy in the first team. Additionally, regarding contracts, they stipulated that offers for players over the age of 32 should be limited to a maximum one-year extension. Financially, the only requirement was to keep wages within the current budget.

The club's management set very high expectations for the various competitions:

• Liga Profesional: League title
• Copa Uruguay: Reach the semi-finals
• Copa Sudamericana: Advance from the group stage

After reviewing the expectations and available resources, I determined that my primary goal is to finish the league season in a position that secures a spot in the Copa Libertadores, while also advancing as far as possible in the Copa Sudamericana. The Copa Libertadores takes precedence because participating in that competition offers prize money roughly three times higher.

Modification of expectations:

To gain a bit more leeway compared to my current situation, I needed to review and adjust the expectations so I could start the job with slightly better finances. There wasn't much room to raise the stakes in the league, given that anything less than the championship title was already considered unacceptable. In my first year, lacking detailed knowledge of the international field, I didn't dare set higher goals for the Copa Sudamericana; consequently, the only real opportunity to adjust expectations lay with the domestic cup competition. The target set for that tournament was reaching the semi-finals, but I pledged to reach the final instead.

As a result, the financial budgets were increased slightly:

• my transfer budget rose from €32.670 to €33.909
• my wage budget rose from €112.170 to €114.104
• my available wage budget thus increased from €1.828 to €3.762

Obviously, this wasn’t a huge help, but in this situation, it was help nonetheless. I mentioned in the introduction that here, you have to bend down to the ground for every single cent…

VIII. MEET THE SQUAD:

Upon reviewing the squad, I determined that the roster is adequate for the start of the campaign, offering a good blend of experienced veterans and young talents. Given the financial constraints — specifically the lack of a transfer budget — I will have to navigate the first year with this existing group of players, making only minor adjustments. Consequently, performing well in international competitions will be a top priority throughout the career; the club needs to be financially strengthened so that, by recruiting South American talent, I can consistently manage a squad composed of young, marketable players. In general, young players will play a significant role in the squad, with their nurturing and development taking precedence. Due to limited financial resources, transfer activity is unlikely, so the current roster will almost certainly form the backbone of the team for the first season. During the transfer window, the primary focus will be on offloading surplus players and those whose salaries are disproportionately high relative to their value; hopefully, in subsequent windows, we will be in a position to sign players for a fee.

Upon my arrival, the players were seated in the following formations:

GOALKEEPERS:

I had a pretty solid group of goalkeepers at my disposal for this position, with three keepers of roughly equal ability in the squad. The options for the first team are: 29-year-old Washington Aguerre, 19-year-old Randall Rodríguez, and 28-year-old Guillermo De Amores. I plan to give playing time to Aguerre and Rodríguez during the season; De Amores is slated for sale, as his weekly salary of €4.000 is quite high for our level. Rodríguez is seen as a prospect for the future — someone I’m counting on for the long haul — and I hope he will continue to develop and realize his 4.5-star potential, so I want to ensure he gets adequate playing time.

Behind them, 18-year-old Juan Pablo Munoz will feature for the reserves, while 18-year-old Kevin Morgan and 16-year-old Martín Almeida will play for the U-19 squad. Of the three young keepers, Morgan and Almeida have the potential to eventually break into the senior squad. 

Also part of the roster is 26-year-old Thiago Cardozo; based on ability, he would be my fourth-choice keeper, but he is currently on loan to the Argentine club Unión de Santa Fe, who hold an option to buy him for €1.000.000.

RIGHT BACKS:

I found a very favorable situation on the right side of the defense: Byron Castillo, the Ecuadorian player currently with us on a two-season loan, is a top-class talent — and under the terms of the loan agreement, Club León covers his entire salary for the duration. Behind him, I have 20-year-old Pedro Milans and 19-year-old Joaquín Ferreira at my disposal; both have the potential for promising long-term careers. 18-year-old Brazilian Mateus Santos will initially feature in the reserves, while 16-year-old Ignacio Alegre will play for the U-19 squad. Among the youngsters, Alegre has a potential rating of 5.0 stars and Milans 4.5 stars — hopefully, they will live up to that potential over the coming years.

CENTRE BACKS:

The defensive core is also well-stocked; 20-year-old Martín Gianoli stands out in particular, as he is clearly set to become one of the team's most valuable players. His partner in the starting lineup will be the experienced 29-year-old Brazilian, Léo Coelho. 22-year-old Guzmán Rodríguez and the exceptionally talented 18-year-old Andrés Madruga will also feature in the senior squad. The reserve team will include 20-year-old Colombian Juan Camilo Sánchez, 19-year-old Agustín Rodríguez, and 18-year-old Faustino Fernández. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Nahuel Herrera, 16-year-old Iker Ansó, and 16-year-old Samuel Fagúndez will continue their development in the U-19 squad.

Retaining Gianoli will be crucial for the save. Among the youngsters, Ansó and Fagúndez possess 4.5-star potential, while Madruga and Herrera have 4.0-star potential. I do not plan to make any signings for this position, though I might look for a more experienced center-back for the senior squad — either as a free agent or on loan — so that Andrés Madruga can play for the U-19 team. This would allow him to get consistent playing time and develop there, paving the way for more senior-level minutes next season.

In addition to the ten center-backs currently in the squad, 20-year-old Matías González is on loan at Danubio, and 17-year-old Juan Rodríguez is on loan at Boston River. Of them, Juan Rodríguez appears to be the more talented player at first glance — he has 4.5-star potential — so I can count on him for the long term once his loan deal expires.

LEFT BACKS:

I was also completely satisfied with the players available for the left side of the defense; 30-year-old Maximiliano Olivera and 25-year-old Argentine Diego Sosa — currently on loan from the Argentine club Tigre — are clearly strong options for the first team. Sosa is on loan with us for two seasons, and the Argentine club is covering his full salary during this period; we also hold an option to buy him for €850.000. Next in line is 19-year-old Mathías De Ritis, who has 4.5-star potential; he will play for the U-19 team this year but — provided he develops at the right pace — will eventually feature in the senior squad. Also in the squad is 30-year-old Lucas Hernández, though I do not plan to use him at all; I would like to sell him, as he earns a rather high weekly salary of €3.200.

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS:

A solid squad was available here as well. The starting lineup will feature 29-year-old Sebastián Cristóforo and the promising 19-year-old talent Ignacio Sosa. Behind them, I have two youngsters at my disposal — 19-year-old Damián García and 18-year-old Valentín Silva — along with the experienced 28-year-old Javier Méndez. Sosa and García clearly stand out among the young players, and retaining them will be my primary objective.

18-year-old Tomas Olase will be part of the reserve squad, while 17-year-old Lorenzo Couture and 16-year-old Mateo Ureta will join the U-19 squad to further their development. Couture has 4.5-star potential; hopefully, in a few years, I will be able to count on him for the first team as well.

In addition to the players mentioned above, 22-year-old Rodrigo Savaria is currently on loan at the Argentine club Gimnasia y Esgrima, while 20-year-old Braulio Guisolfo is on loan at Centro Atlético Fénix. Savaria is a quality player; the Argentine club holds an option to purchase him for €1.600.000.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS:

I had excellent options for this position as well; 18-year-old Franco González was clearly one of the club's most valuable assets, and keeping him will be a top priority for me. Behind him, 32-year-old Gastón Ramírez is also an outstanding player by domestic standards, and his experience will be a great asset to the team. Franco González will definitely be the starter, with Gastón Ramírez serving as his backup. 19-year-old Pablo Nongoy can expect limited playing time this year, though he will certainly step in should injuries or suspensions arise; alongside his role as a squad player for the first team, he will play a key part in our U19 squad.

18-year-old Leandro Umpiérrez was also available to me, though for the time being, I could only offer him playing time with the U19 team. 

20-year-old Matías Ferreira was on loan at Miramar Misiones; once he returns, I will decide on his role based on the progress he has made.

RIGHT WINGERS:

I faced an embarrassment of riches for this position, as the senior squad included two quality players on loan: 24-year-old Leonardo Fernández (from Deportivo Toluca) and 28-year-old Argentine Ángel González (from Liga de Quito). We hold purchase options for both — €2.800.000 for Fernández and €1.400.000 for González. Fernández can also play as an attacking midfielder. 

Behind them, 20-year-old Santiago Álvez will be part of the senior squad but will also play for the reserves to ensure regular game time. 23-year-old Nahuel Acosta is a decent player, but he wouldn't get many opportunities behind the others, so I will likely send him out on loan. 20-year-old Diego Méndez shows good potential, so he will feature for the reserves. 31-year-old Camilo Mayada is clearly not part of the future plans; his rivals for the position are more talented, and his weekly salary of €5.750 doesn't fit the club's financial situation, so I definitely wanted to sell him. 19-year-old Nahuel de Armas will play for the U19 team.

20-year-old Brian Mansilla possessed quite good attributes, but he was out on loan at Defensor Sporting.

LEFT WINGERS:

In the senior squad, 24-year-old Eduardo Darías — on loan from Deportivo Maldonado — and 30-year-old Javier Cabrera provide me with solid options on the left wing. We also hold an option to purchase Darías for €925.000. 

Behind them, 18-year-old Franco Correa shows promise, though he will feature only for the reserves this season. Meanwhile, 16-year-olds Lucas Scarlatto, Stiven Muhlethaler, and Mauro Skunca are bright prospects for the future; however, given their age, they will certainly play for the U19 team during the first season to aid their development.

All three of my players currently out on loan show great promise. 21-year-old Valentín Rodríguez is at the Mexican club Pachuca, 20-year-old Nicolás Rossi is with Danubio, and 20-year-old Máximo Alonso is playing for Granada. The loaning clubs hold purchase options for two of them: €1.800.000 for Rodríguez and €1.600.000 for Alonso.

STRIKERS:

I also found a strong squad at the striker position. Three talented forwards were ready for action: 27-year-old Argentine Leonardo Sequeira (on loan from Real Oviedo), 25-year-old Maximiliano Silvera, and 22-year-old José Neris (on loan from Colón). Of these, Sequeira and Silvera are likely to get more playing time, while Neris will probably fill a supporting role. We hold an option to buy Sequeira for €1.400.000 and Neris for €1.900.000.

Behind them, 19-year-old Franco Suárez shows great promise but isn't yet ready to displace the three aforementioned strikers, so I will likely send him out on loan. 

18-year-olds Sebastián Camacho and Giuliano Stagno will train with the reserves. 16-year-olds Facundo Morales and Ignacio Charrutti, 18-year-old Agustín Rodríguez, and 17-year-old Luciano González will feature in the U19 squad for the time being; I hope they will continue to develop and eventually prove useful to the team.

Among the players currently out on loan, 19-year-old Bruno Betancor possesses outstanding ability. 20-year-old Óscar Cruz and 19-year-old Santiago Díaz also show great potential.

FOREIGN PLAYERS:

According to the championship regulations, a maximum of 3 foreign players may be on the court at any one time. Currently, I have 7 such foreign players in my full active squad:

In the strongest projected starting lineup, Castillo would play as right-back, Coelho as centre-back, and Sequeira as a forward. This would satisfy the required rule, though naturally, I will need to keep this criterion in mind when rotating the squad.

LOANED PLAYERS:

An analysis of the players currently on loan reveals that the terms negotiated prior to my arrival were exceptionally favorable; the lending clubs cover the majority of their wages. In the case of Byron Castillo and Leonardo Fernández — who command high salaries — their original clubs pay their full wages (their combined pay would otherwise amount to €28.000 per week). It is also worth noting that all the players currently on loan to us are under long-term agreements; with the exception of Ángel González and José Neris — who are signed for 1.5 years — the others will remain with us for 2 years. The total weekly salary for these loan players would normally be €35.090, yet we are responsible for only €7.215 — resulting in a saving of €27.785 against our wage budget. We hold an option to buy 6 of the 7 players currently on loan, though I consider the likelihood of exercising all these options to be slim, as the total cost would amount to €9.275.000...

LOANED OUT PLAYERS:

An analysis of the players I have out on loan reveals that the terms arranged prior to my arrival were relatively favorable, as the loaning club covers the majority of their wages. All the players currently out on loan are on long-term agreements, with contracts spanning either one and a half or two years. The players' original weekly wage is €15.090; of this amount, we are responsible for only €5.140, ​​while the borrowing club pays the remainder. Of the 13 players out on loan, the borrowing clubs hold an option to buy 4 of them (Cardozo, Saravia, V. Rodríguez, and Alonso); if these options were all exercised, we could generate €6.000.000 in revenue.

TRANSFER CLAUSES:

Revenue clauses:

Regarding the clauses, I can anticipate guaranteed revenue of €1.160.000 in October 2023 and October 2024, payable by Manchester United as installments on the transfer fee for Facundo Pellistri. Among the clauses listed in the table, our share-of-proceeds clause concerning Nahitán Nández can be activated; exercising this option would yield us €275.000.

Expenditure clauses:

None of the clauses represent a guaranteed expense, nor do we have any clauses that can be exercised optionally.

TACTIC:

Based on an assessment of the available squad, I firmly opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation. In defense, I aim to utilize my two center-backs as ball-playing defenders — provided the players possess the requisite technical ability for the level of competition — encouraging them to step up boldly during the build-up phase. I deployed my two full-backs with an attacking mindset; beyond their defensive duties, their primary task was to provide width in attack, given that my wingers were operating as inside forwards. I fielded two defensive midfielders in the center of the park, with one of them playing a more defensive role. The attacking midfielder was clearly assigned an offensive role, while my lone striker was primarily responsible for finishing and converting goal-scoring opportunities.

IX. TRANSFER SEASON

STRATEGY FOR THE TRANSFER SEASON:

Given the €33.909 transfer budget at my disposal — which had already been increased following an adjustment to expectations — and the €3.762 in weekly wages available within the salary cap, I didn't have grand plans regarding transfers; I knew right from the start that I wouldn't be signing players for a fee this year. 

Consequently, the obvious options were loan deals and free agents. My avenues for signing new players narrowed even further, as I couldn't bring anyone in on loan either; there is a limit of 5 loan signings per season, and I already had 7 loan players on the books. 

I considered freeing up a spot in the squad for a new, higher-quality loan signing by sending back some of the existing ones, but that wasn't an option either, as the contracts of the players already with me couldn't be terminated — I couldn't send them back to their parent clubs.

So, my options were severely restricted: with no funds available and no possibility of bringing in loan players, free agents remained the only potential source of new signings. Naturally, I didn't have high expectations for them, so I decided to play out this first season with the existing squad — which was perfectly adequate — and dedicate my minimal transfer budget to scouting instead. Another key objective was to offload players who were surplus to requirements or whose salaries were disproportionately high relative to their roles within the team, as well as to sign existing squad members to new, long-term contracts — ideally reducing guaranteed wages in the process to free up additional funds within the salary budget.

SCOUTING:

As mentioned in my transfer strategy, I immediately reallocated a portion of my limited transfer budget to the scouting budget to enable the scouting of young talents across a wider region. Initially, the scouting network was restricted to Uruguay, incurring a monthly cost of €1.700. 

I expanded this scope to cover the southern part of South America; following this adjustment, my scouting costs rose to €11.750 per month, but I gained the opportunity to scout players in neighboring Argentina, Chile, and Peru.

TRANSFER SEASON:

As I mentioned earlier, there wasn't much movement in the squad; instead, I focused on laying the foundations for the team of the future while trying to minimize expenses. Immediately after assessing the squad, I began extending contracts, offering new deals to 45 players. I managed to secure very favorable terms for these extensions, successfully reducing my weekly wage bill by €8.305. I achieved this even while granting pay raises to several key players and increasing the wages of players who had previously been on youth contracts. The contract extensions were finalized as follows:

After finalizing contract extensions, I scouted the market for unattached, free-agent players. I signed 3 young talents on free transfers:

• 19-year-old defensive midfielder Lucas Puyol,
• 19-year-old attacking midfielder Germán Mangarelli,
• 19-year-old attacking midfielder Leandro Méndez.

All three signed for a weekly wage of €150 and will initially feature in the reserve squad. 

I placed several players on the transfer list, but unfortunately, only Lucas Hernández was purchased; Chapecoense paid a transfer fee of €35.000 for him, which also freed up his rather high weekly salary of €3.200. Regarding Hernández, Wanderers and CA Cerro were entitled to a share of the transfer fee as training compensation; I had to transfer a total of €1.750 to these two clubs. 

I was unable to find buyers for De Amores and Mayada — who were also listed for sale — so they remain with the squad for the time being; I hope to sell their playing rights within six months at the latest.

Additionally, my young striker Franco Suárez left on a temporary loan to Curicó Unido, though under the terms of the agreement, we continue to cover his wages during the loan period. It is evident from the above that we have had a rather quiet transfer window; I am convinced that far more eventful transfer periods lie ahead.

Following the close of the transfer window and the completion of contract extensions and transfers, I was left with a transfer budget of €42.235. My wage budget rose to €114.104 per week; meanwhile, I managed to reduce my wage expenditure to €99.967 per week, resulting in €14.137 of unused wage budget at my disposal.

X. STAFF

FIRST TEAM STAFF:

When I arrived, the first team's coaching staff needed strengthening in several areas; there were positions with no specialist available at all, while in other cases, the existing staff member did not meet my quality standards. Overall, the staff consisted of 12 members earning a combined total of €11.825 per week.

The coaching staff’s average rating ranked 5th in the Uruguayan league — a situation that clearly could not remain as it was, given that my goal was to reach the top-3 in every training category to secure domestic dominance.

The recruitment staff held the best average rating in the domestic league; we were ahead of the competition in every aspect.

The medical staff had the second-best average rating in the Uruguayan top flight.

I reviewed the assignment of available coaches to the various training categories, and the situation was quite dismal: they averaged only 2.91 stars out of a possible 5.0

Consequently, I was very active in restructuring the professional staff, resulting in significant turnover in this area. To start, I terminated the contracts of 3 staff members by mutual consent:

• Claudio Flores, Head of Youth Development,
• Augusto Rammauro, Transfer Analyst,
• Héctor Enrique Pena, Head Physiotherapist.

Terminating the contracts cost a total of €6.500, but €1.005 in weekly salary costs was freed up.

I have signed 17 new staff members:

• Leonardo Squadrone as Head of Youth Development,
• Daniel Pavan as Goalkeeper Coach,
• Hernán Castex as Fitness Coach,
• Carlinhos Neves and Víctor Marchesin as Coaches,
• Claudiano Nozaki as Set-piece Coach,
• André Neves as Head Physiotherapist,
• Ramiro Moreda as Physiotherapist,
• Belmar as Head Sports Scientist,
• Cristian Alfonso as Sports Scientist,
• Gilmar Francisco, Flavio Roca, Diego Mazzilli, Marco Lobo, and Guillermo Arciga as Scouts,
• Gustavo Torres as Head Performance Analyst,
• Ramiro Arbelaiz as Performance Analyst.

They were all free agents, so no transfer fees were required; however, they significantly increased the wage bill, as the combined weekly salary of the 17 new staff members amounted to €14.895. Following the transfer window, the senior team's backroom staff expanded from 12 to 26 members, ensuring I had personnel for every key role. The total weekly salary for the senior team's staff rose from €11.825 to €25.740. Overall, the staff underwent significant improvement:

• the coaching staff's average rating improved from a previous level of 5.2 to the best in the league, we now employed the top specialist in every training category
• the scouting staff remained the best in the league
• our medical staff moved up from second to first place, with our club receiving the highest rating in every category

Regarding training categories, our average rating improved significantly from 2.91 stars to 3.68 stars. Given our current financial situation, making player transfers was not an option; it therefore made perfect sense to invest our limited resources into developing the backroom staff, ensuring our young talents received the best possible training to foster their development.

RESERVE STAFF:

The reserve team's backroom staff required strengthening in several areas; there were positions where no specialist was available at all. Overall, the staff consisted of five individuals earning a combined €1.475 per week. The coaching staff held an average ranking of 5.5th place in the reserve league, while the medical staff ranked 6.5th among reserve teams. I reviewed the assignment of available coaches to specific training categories, and the situation was rather dismal: they achieved an average rating of only 2.91 stars out of a possible 5.0

I did not terminate the contracts of any existing staff members, but I did sign 2 new staff members for the reserve squad:

• Juan Lambert (Sports Scientist),
• Joaquín Borriero (Performance Analyst).

Both new arrivals were free agents, so there was no transfer fee; their combined weekly salary amounted to €600. Regarding the fitness coaches, I extended Sebastián Roquero's contract; he signed a new deal running until 2024 with a weekly salary of €325.

Following the transfer window, the reserve team's backroom staff grew from 5 to 7 members, ensuring I had personnel for every key role. The total weekly salary for the reserve team's staff rose from €1.475 to €2,100. 

Overall, the staff showed significant improvement:

• the coaching staff’s average rating improved from 5.2 to 4.0
• our medical staff rose from a ranking of 6.5 to second place
• regarding training categories, our previous average rating of 2.91 stars saw significant improvement, reaching an average of 3.73 stars.

U19 STAFF:

The U19 team's coaching staff required strengthening in several areas; there were positions where no specialist was available at all. Overall, the staff consisted of 4 individuals earning a combined €995 per week.

The coaching staff held an average ranking of 2.3 in the youth league, while the medical staff for the reserves ranked 11th. I reviewed the assignment of available coaches to specific training categories, and the situation was rather dismal: they achieved an average rating of only 3.05 stars out of a possible 5.0.

To start, I terminated the contract of one staff member by mutual agreement — specifically, assistant manager Serafin García. This cost €1.500 but freed up €250 per week in the wage budget.

I signed 3 new staff members for the U19 squad:

• Christian Britos as a sports scientist,
• Norberto Debbag as a physiotherapist,
• Lucio Stortoni as a performance analyst.

These new staff members were free agents, so there was no signing fee; their combined weekly wages amounted to €975. Following the transfer window, the U19 team's staff grew from 4 to 6 members, ensuring I had personnel for every key role. 

The salary of the U19 team's coaching staff increased from €995 to €1.720 per week.

Overall, the staff ratings changed as follows:

• the coaching staff's average rating dropped from 2.3 to 3.5
• our medical staff moved up from a rating of 6.5 to third place
• regarding training categories, our previous average rating of 3.05 stars improved, reaching an average of 3.36 stars.

XI. FRIENDLY MATCHES:

Immediately upon my arrival, I reorganized the friendly matches, aiming to schedule as many games as possible; this allowed the team to gain greater familiarity with the planned tactics while ensuring sufficient playing time for every player considered for the senior squad. Accordingly, I arranged a total of seven pre-season matches—all played at home—with the explicit goal of generating additional revenue from ticket sales. Due to the high volume of fixtures, the games followed a continuous Wednesday-Saturday schedule, and I rotated the starting lineup and the substitutes throughout the pre-season period.

PENAROL - PLAZA COLONIA:

The first friendly match took place just two days after my arrival, against Plaza Colonia. I fielded my starting lineup against this fellow top-flight opponent, aiming to kick off our preparations with our strongest possible squad. We started the match well; in the 4th minute, following a throw-in on the left flank, Eduardo Darias dribbled skillfully into the penalty area and took the ball down to the byline, where a sliding defender brought him down before he could deliver a cross. Leonardo Fernández stepped up to take the deserved penalty and confidently fired the ball into the net — 1–0. We soon doubled our lead in the 12th minute: Franco González curled a corner kick toward the near post, where Martín Gianoli — having moved forward from the back — headed it into the visitors' goal — 2–0. In the 35th minute, near the halfway line, Eduardo Darias cleverly turned away from his marker and masterfully chipped the ball into the open space behind the defense; Franco González pounced on it, beat the defenders to the ball, and blasted it with great power into the far bottom corner from 13 meters out — 3–0. Just before halftime, Maximiliano Olivera suffered an injury, so Ignacio Sosa took his place after the break. Unfortunately, the team seemed to leave their focus in the dressing room after the interval, as the visitors pulled a goal back just 40 seconds in through Alex Bruno, who scored following a neat passing sequence — 3–1. We continued to dictate the play, and in the 65th minute, I made a complete line change. We created several more great scoring chances in the final third of the match but were unable to find the net again. Overall, the team delivered a truly convincing performance in this first pre-season game; the lads kept the match under control throughout, and Franco González was named Man of the Match. Maximiliano Olivera, who sustained an injury during the game, has been sidelined for one week.