Diego Lugano

{{short description|Uruguayan footballer (born 1980)}}

{{family name hatnote|Lugano|Morena|lang=Spanish}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Diego Lugano

| image = U02 Diego Lugano 7557.jpg

| caption = Lugano with Uruguay in 2014

| full_name = Diego Alfredo Lugano Morena

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|11|2|df=y}}{{cite web |title=FIFA Club World Championship Japan 2005 – Official Rosters |url=http://www.fifa.com/documents/tournaments/cwc/CWC_2005_sl-latest.xls |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=4 December 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219093824/http://www.fifa.com/documents/tournaments/cwc/CWC_2005_sl-latest.xls |archive-date=19 December 2005 |url-status=dead }}

| birth_place = Canelones, Uruguay

| height = 1.88 m{{cite web|title=Player Profile|url=http://www.psg.fr/en/pros-effectif/300002/Player-sheet/1828/Lugano-Diego|publisher=www.psg.fr|access-date=2 March 2012|archive-date=22 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922211534/https://www.psg.fr/en/pros-effectif/300002/Player-sheet/1828/Lugano-Diego|url-status=dead}}

| position = Centre back

| currentclub =

| youthyears1 = 1996–1999

| youthclubs1 = Nacional

| years1 = 1999–2003

| clubs1 = Nacional

| caps1 = 13

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2001–2002

| clubs2 = → Plaza Colonia (loan)

| caps2 = 46

| goals2 = 4

| years3 = 2003–2006

| clubs3 = São Paulo

| caps3 = 95

| goals3 = 7

| years4 = 2006–2011

| clubs4 = Fenerbahçe

| caps4 = 125

| goals4 = 21

| years5 = 2011–2013

| clubs5 = Paris Saint-Germain

| caps5 = 12

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2013

| clubs6 = → Málaga (loan)

| caps6 = 11

| goals6 = 0

| years7 = 2013–2014

| clubs7 = West Bromwich Albion

| caps7 = 9

| goals7 = 1

| years8 = 2015

| clubs8 = BK Häcken

| caps8 = 11

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2015

| clubs9 = Cerro Porteño

| caps9 = 16

| goals9 = 5

| years10 = 2016–2017

| clubs10 = São Paulo

| caps10 = 18

| goals10 = 2

| totalcaps = 356

| totalgoals = 40

| nationalyears1 = 2003–2014

| nationalteam1 = Uruguay

| nationalcaps1 = 95

| nationalgoals1 = 9

| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{fb|URU}}}}

{{MedalCompetition|Copa América}}

{{Medal|Winner|2011 Argentina|Team}}

}}

Diego Alfredo Lugano Morena ({{IPA|es|ˈdjeɣo luˈɣano}}; born 2 November 1980) is a Uruguayan former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Nicknamed Tota, Lugano played for a number of clubs in South America and Europe, including Plaza Colonia, Club Nacional de Football, São Paulo, Fenerbahçe, Paris Saint-Germain, Malaga and West Bromwich Albion, before finishing his career with a second spell at Brazilian club São Paulo, where he now works as an administrator.

Throughout his career, Lugano netted goals in the football leagues of Uruguay, Brazil, Turkey, England, France and Paraguay.{{cite web|url=https://somosinvictos.com/2015/09/14/diego-lugano-se-mando-un-doblete-con-cerro-porteno/|title = Diego Lugano se mandó un doblete con Cerro Porteño}}

In 2015, Paraguayan newspaper ExtraPRESS named Lugano one of the most expensive player in Uruguay ,{{cite web|url=https://m.extra.com.py/deportes/los-jugadores-mas-caros-del-futbol-paraguayo-n1515674.html|title=Los jugadores más caros del fútbol paraguayo}} and he was also awarded by Diario Popular as the most popular player in Paraguayan football.{{cite web|url=https://www.caras.uy/noticias/general/2015-12-08-diego-lugano-premiado-en-paraguay.phtml|title = Diego Lugano premiado en Paraguay|date=8 December 2015 }}

Lugano made 95 appearances for the Uruguay national team, captaining his country at two FIFA World Cups. He was named best captain at the 2010 tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/2010dunyakupasi/15298026.asp?gid=362|title=Uruguay'da Diego furyası|date=13 July 2010 }}

Club career

=Early years=

Born to Alfredo Lugano and Diana Morena in Canelones, Canelones Department,[http://www.hoycanelones.com.uy/2008/content/view/5783/1/ Diana Morena: La madre del capitán y un relato con propiedad ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611040514/http://www.hoycanelones.com.uy/2008/content/view/5783/1 |date=11 June 2013 }} – Hoy Canelones, 24 June 2010 (in Spanish) Lugano started playing football for his hometown club Club Atlético Libertad, like his father Alfredo. In December 1998, he played his first match with the first-team squad of Libertad, becoming league champions with the club at the age of 18 years. From Libertad, in 1999, Lugano transferred to Club Nacional de Football in Montevideo. Three years later, Lugano was loaned out to Plaza Colonia for the duration of the playing season.

=São Paulo=

Lugano came to São Paulo FC in 2003. He was contracted by club President Marcelo Portugal Gouveia without consulting the head coach Oswaldo de Oliveira. President Gouveia's actions led to the ascribing of the nickname "Homem do Presidente" ("President's Man") to Lugano.{{cite web|url=http://saopaulominhavida.blogspot.com.br/2011/05/sangue-celeste-alma-tricolor.html|title=São Paulo Minha Vida: Sangue Celeste, Alma Tricolor|last=Nakano|year=2011}} After Oswaldo de Oliveira left the club in late 2003, Lugano started playing matches more frequently. In 2005, he led the team to titles in the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa Libertadores, and the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan. That same year, Lugano was recognized as South America's best defender. His leadership skills{{cite web |title=Uruguay team profile |year=2010 |access-date=25 June 2010 |publisher=Reuters |url=http://football.us.reuters.com/league/worldcup2010/team-profile.php?t=t3024}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and his willingness to fight for ball possession{{cite news |title=Diego Lugano: The Great Wall of Uruguay |orig-year=2010 |access-date=25 June 2010 |publisher=CBC.ca |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/diego-lugano-the-great-wall-of-uruguay-1.870794 | date=2 June 2010}} have raised his profile amongst São Paulo's supporters, where he is still highly regarded.{{cite web |title=No pensé en vivir del fútbol hasta los 18 |year=2010 |access-date=10 January 2010 |publisher=El País Uruguay |url=http://www.elpais.com.uy/Suple/DS/10/01/10/sds_464352.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113183717/http://www.elpais.com.uy/Suple/DS/10/01/10/sds_464352.asp |archive-date=13 January 2010}} Lugano has also mentioned that he still maintains a good relationship with the club.{{cite web |title=Diego Lugano: "Sou torcedor fanático do São Paulo" |year=2008 |access-date=25 June 2010 |publisher=Portal Terra |url=http://terramagazine.terra.com.br/interna/0,,OI2892018-EI6615,00-Diego+Lugano+Sou+torcedor+fanatico+do+Sao+Paulo.html}} In 2006, he helped his club to the runner-up stage of the Copa Libertadores.

=Fenerbahçe=

File:Diego Lugano 2.jpg]]

Lugano joined Fenerbahçe on 21 August 2006 for a reported transfer fee of €7.5 million,{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01b8-0e6d8e8c508a-88e47bd9549b-1000--fenerbahce-unveil-defender-lugano/|title=Fenerbahçe unveil defender Lugano

|publisher=UEFA |date=22 August 2006 |access-date=8 March 2011}} where he signed a {{frac|3|1|2}}-year contract with the Turkish club. He and Edu Dracena's powerful defensive abilities helped Fenerbahçe win the league during the club's 100th anniversary year.

Lugano is notorious for his presence in attack, as was shown with his scored goals from headers from dead ball situations and support of the forward line. He became a fan favourite with his defensive tenacity and his spectacular play from free kick situations. Following a red card, he was suspended for five weeks after the derby match against Galatasaray during the 2008–09 season when he clashed with Emre Aşık on 12 April 2009 at Ali Sami Yen Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FqgBzuB3Ow |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/6FqgBzuB3Ow |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Lugano beat all players from Galatasaray |publisher=YouTube |date=13 April 2009 |access-date=26 June 2010}}{{cbignore}} Since then, he has a strong connection with supporters, especially with the Genç Fenerbahçeliler.{{cite web |url=http://www.gencfb.org/en-basarili-lugano-secildi_oku2099 |title=En Başarılı Lugano Seçildi! L Genç Fenerbahçeliler |website=www.gencfb.org |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804103658/http://www.gencfb.org/en-basarili-lugano-secildi_oku2099 |archive-date=4 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.gfb-europe.com/v3/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226%3Aluganomuzu-brakmyoruz&Itemid=75 |title=We don't let him go ayaw |publisher=Gfb-europe.com |access-date=26 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711091202/http://www.gfb-europe.com/v3/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=226%3Aluganomuzu-brakmyoruz&Itemid=75 |archive-date=11 July 2011}} He was one of the captains of the team. He signed a new four-year contract in 2009 with Fenerbahçe.{{cite news |url=http://www.fenerbahce.org/fb2008/popdetay.asp?ContentID=16652 |title=Neşeli antrenman |trans-title=Happy Training |publisher=Fenerbahce.org |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=8 March 2011 |language=tr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928212312/http://www.fenerbahce.org/fb2008/popdetay.asp?ContentID=16652 |archive-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=dead}}

=Paris Saint-Germain=

On 27 August 2011, Fenerbahçe announced Lugano was leaving the club to join Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1 for a fee worth €3 million.{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Sport/Story/STIStory_706833.html|title=Uruguay captain Diego Lugano leaves Fenerbahce to join PSG}}{{cite news|url=http://www.kap.gov.tr/yay/Bildirim/Bildirim.aspx?id=168658|title=Oyuncumuz Diego Alfredo Lugano Morena'nın transferi konusunda Paris Saint-Germain Kulübü ile anlaşmaya varılmıştır|date=29 August 2011|access-date=30 August 2011|work=Fenerbahçe |publisher=Turkish Public Disclosure System (KAP)|language=tr}} His first season in France, however, ended poorly and Lugano made just 12 appearances, mostly being cut out of the side due to injury and poor form.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bettor.com/Diego-Luganos-time-in-Paris-is-over-a166405|title=Diego Lugano's time in Paris is over - bettor.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117233743/http://blogs.bettor.com/Diego-Luganos-time-in-Paris-is-over-a166405|archive-date=17 January 2013}}

=Málaga=

On 21 January 2013, Lugano signed with Spanish side Málaga CF until 30 June on loan. As he was not in PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti's plans, Lugano was not inscribed in the Champions League for that season; this way, he was not cup tied for his new club and represented Málaga in their European ambitions.{{cite web|url=http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/internacional/lugano-frustra-brasileiros-e-acerta-com-malaga-ate-junho,fa4919085be5c310VgnVCM4000009bcceb0aRCRD.html|title=Lugano frustra brasileiros e acerta com Málaga até junho}} He returned to PSG on 1 July 2013, with Málaga failing to make the loan move permanent.

=West Bromwich Albion=

On 2 August 2013, Lugano joined Premier League club West Bromwich Albion on a two-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ca/news/4188/transfer-zone/2013/08/02/4161273/west-brom-signs-paris-saint-germain-defender-lugano|title=West Brom signs Paris Saint-Germain defender Lugano |date=2 August 2013|access-date=3 August 2013|publisher=Goal.com}} He scored his first goal for West Brom on 20 January 2014, heading in an equalizer in a 1–1 home draw with Everton.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/367284/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|title=Lugano lifts beleaguered Baggies|date=20 January 2014|access-date=20 January 2014|publisher=ESPN}}

On 17 May 2014, West Bromwich announced the release of five players of their squad, including Lugano.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2014/05/17/4822952/lugano-gera-reid-among-players-released-by-west-brom|title=Lugano, Gera & Reid among players released by West Brom|date=17 May 2014|access-date=22 May 2014|publisher=Goal.com}}

=BK Häcken=

On 26 March 2015, Lugano signed for Swedish side BK Häcken on a short-term contract until the summer. Lugano became one of the most merited players ever to play in the Swedish top league.

=Cerro Porteño=

On 7 July 2015, La Nación reported that Primera División Paraguaya team Cerro Porteño had assured the signing of Lugano.{{cite web|url=https://www.lanacion.com.py/2015/07/08/cerro-asegura-a-diego-lugano/?outputType=amp|title = La Nación / Cerro asegura a Diego Lugano}} On 12 July, Lugano's transfer was officially made.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/diego-alfredo-lugano-morena/4733/|title = Uruguay - D. Lugano - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway}} Upon arriving to Paraguay, Lugano was received at the airport by Cerro Porteño managers and fans,{{cite web|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/lugano-esta-en-paraguay|title = Lugano está en Paraguay| date=11 July 2015 }} and was presented as a Cerro Porteño footballer.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.co/noticias/nota/_/id/2421425/el-defensor-diego-lugano-fue-presentado-en-cerro-porteno|title = Diego Lugano fue presentado en Cerro Porteño|date = 14 July 2015}} He signed a 1-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.tenfield.com.uy/lugano-presentado-en-cerro-porteno/|title=Lugano presentado en Cerro Porteño|date=13 July 2015}} At the presentation, Lugano pointed "I arrived at Cerro for the need of returning to South America and to be closer to my country. The proposal from Cerro closed everything I wanted, it's a big club, it will demand me and oblige me to return to my level". He was then received by his teammates and began training with the first roster.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecuavisa.com/deportes/futbol-internacional/uruguayo-diego-lugano-ya-se-entrena-cerro-porteno-NGEC113718|title=Uruguayo Diego Lugano ya se entrena con Cerro Porteño|date=14 July 2015 }} Lugano revealed that since arriving at Cerro Porteño, he received better offers, but decided to stay.{{cite web|url=https://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/1271477-diego-lugano-deja-cerro-porteno-vuelve-sao-paulo|title = Diego Lugano dejó Cerro Porteño para sumarse al Sao Paulo|date = 7 January 2016}}

In August 2015, Lugano debuted for Cerro Porteño in a 4–0 victory against General Díaz, scoring the first goal of the game in the first half,{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/2015/08/03/futbol/futbol_internacional/resto_de_america/1438555584.html|title=Diego Lugano tiene un estreno goleador con Cerro Porteño|date=3 August 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://as.com/videos/2015/08/03/chile/1438617012_843801.html|title = Diego Lugano debutó con un gol en Cerro Porteño|date = 3 August 2015}} scoring with a header.{{cite web|url=https://elbocon.pe/internacional/ligas-extranjeras/diego-lugano-debuto-con-un-golazo-en-cerro-porteno-107885/?outputType=amp|title = Diego Lugano debutó con un golazo en Cerro Porteño | INTERNACIONAL|date = 2 August 2015}} This was his first league goal since January 2014 for West Bromwich Albion.

On 13 September 2015, Lugano scored a second half double in a 3–1 home victory against Sol de America.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/09/13/paraguay/division-profesional/cerro-porteno/sol-de-america/2139271/|title = Cerro Porteño vs. Sol de América - 13 September 2015 - Soccerway}}{{cite web|url=https://www.180.com.uy/articulo/57550_doblete-de-lugano-en-paraguay|title = Doblete de Lugano en Paraguay}} His goals occurred in the 69th, from a header. and 75th minutes. By that moment, Lugano had scored 3 goals in 5 Primera División Paraguaya appearances being a defender.

On 20 September, he scored in a 2–1 home victory against Deportivo Santani, scoring in the 19th minute of the first half.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/09/20/paraguay/division-profesional/cerro-porteno/deportivo-santani/2154596/|title = Cerro Porteño vs. Deportivo Santaní - 20 September 2015 - Soccerway}}

On 7 November, he scored a 90 + 8th-minute penalty in a 3–1 home defeat against Libertad.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/11/07/paraguay/division-profesional/cerro-porteno/club-libertad/2163959/|title=Cerro Porteño vs. Libertad - 7 November 2015 - Soccerway}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/diego-lugano-anoto-un-gol-en-la-derrota-de-cerro-porteno|title = Diego Lugano anotó un gol en la derrota de Cerro Porteño| date=8 November 2015 }}

On 9 December 2015, he made his last appearance of the year in a 2–1 defeat against Olimpia Asunción, scoring an own goal in the 63rd minute.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2015/12/09/paraguay/division-profesional/cerro-porteno/club-olimpia/2174127/|title = Cerro Porteño vs. Olimpia - 9 December 2015 - Soccerway}}

In December 2015, Lugano was awarded by Diario Popular as the most popular player in Paraguayan football.

In January 2016, the club president informed that Lugano was still a Cerro Porteño player and that would speak with him personally if he wanted to leave.{{cite web|url=https://www.cronica.com.py/2016/01/03/que-lugano-me-diga-si-se-quiere-ir/|title = Crónica / "Que Lugano me diga, si se quiere ir"|date = 3 January 2016}} Lugano had discarded his trip with the team to Encarnación for the pre-season preparation for the Torneo Apertura.{{cite web|url=https://www.benditofutbol.com/futbol-internacional/diego-lugano-cerroporteno-saopaulo-bauza.html|title=Lugano deja Cerro Porteño y puede fichar por Sao Paulo}}{{cite web|author=EFE |url=https://www.elespectador.com/deportes/futbol-mundial/diego-lugano-deja-cerro-porteno-y-jugaria-en-sao-paulo-article-609108/?outputType=amp |title=Diego Lugano deja Cerro Porteño y jugaría en Sao Paulo |language=es |publisher=El Espectador |date=5 January 2016 |access-date=4 September 2022}} On 5 January 2016, Lugano reached an agreement with Cerro Porteño to leave the club and was available to negotiate a return to Brazilian team São Paulo, who were interested in his services. The termination of the contract came after an interview between Lugano and Juan José Zapag, Cerro Porteño's president.{{cite web|url=https://d10.ultimahora.com/fin-la-novela-diego-lugano-dejo-ser-jugador-cerro-n2379654.html|title=Diego Lugano dejó de ser jugador de Cerro Porteño}}{{cite web|url=https://d10.ultimahora.com/lugano-se-despide-no-puedo-darle-la-espalda-mi-historia-n2379670.html/amp|title = "No puedo darle la espalda a mi historia", dice Lugano}}{{cite web|url=http://www.lavozdigital.com.py/noticia.php?id=2814&id_categoria=2|title = Lugano deja Cerro Porteño}}{{cite web|url=https://www.futbol.com.uy/Deportes/Diego-Lugano-se-desvinculo-de-Cerro-Porteno-y-volvera-al-Sao-Paulo-uc295739?plantilla=1735&proceso=amp|title = Diego Lugano se desvinculó de Cerro Porteño y volverá al Sao Paulo}} Following Lugano's departure, the club's directives and fans were bothered.{{cite web|url=https://www.noticias-frescas.com/199565/diego-lugano-le-falto-el-respeto-al-cub-cerro-porteno.html|title = Diego Lugano le faltó el respeto al Cub Cerro Porteño}} Upon his departure from the club, Lugano left a message of gratitude to Cerro Porteño through his social media channel of Facebook.{{cite web|url=https://tribunero.com/diego-lugano-se-despidio-de-cerro-porteno/|title = Diego Lugano se despidió de Cerro Porteño|date = 7 January 2016}}

Lugano totalled 5 goals, 10 yellow cards and 1 expulsion in 16 games for Cerro Porteño, amassing 1, 438 minutes.

=Return to São Paulo=

In January 2016, after almost 10 years, Lugano returned to São Paulo FC, in Brazil, where he won 2005 Copa Libertadores and 2005 FIFA Club World Championship, he instantly became São Paulo's idol. On 12 January 2016, he was welcomed at the Guarulhos Airport by nearly 1000 fans of Tricolor paulista.{{cite web|url=http://esporte.uol.com.br/futebol/ultimas-noticias/2016/01/12/lugano-desembarca-em-sao-paulo.htm|title=Lugano desembarca em SP e é recebido por multidão são-paulina em festa - Futebol - UOL Esporte}}

In January 2018, Lugano accepted the role of director of institutional relations at São Paulo, confirming his retirement as a player.{{cite web | title = Former Uruguay captain Lugano accepts off-field role with Sao Paulo - Chinadaily.com.cn | work = China Daily | date = 31 January 2018 | access-date = 3 July 2018 | url = http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201801/31/WS5a712dd9a3106e7dcc138d5c.html}}

International career

Lugano made 95 appearances for the Uruguay national football team{{cite news|url=http://www.ca2015.com/en/news/diego-lugano---i-will-always-be-available-should-uruguay-need-me/kp7akmixyknl1ugamfxwmuamr|title=Diego Lugano - I will always be available should Uruguay need me|date=1 April 2015|work=CONMEBOL|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614205324/http://www.ca2015.com/en/news/diego-lugano---i-will-always-be-available-should-uruguay-need-me/kp7akmixyknl1ugamfxwmuamr|archive-date=14 June 2015}} after making his debut in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Paraguay.{{cite web|url=http://www.sambafoot.com/pt/noticias/1900_lugano_e_convocado_para_a_celeste.html|title=Lugano é convocado para a Celeste - Sambafoot.com, tudo sobre o futebol brasileiro|website=www.sambafoot.com|date=7 November 2004}} He has represented the country at two FIFA World Cups, two Copa América tournaments and one FIFA Confederations Cup. He captained the team for eight years, beginning in May 2006, when he was given the armband of La Celeste for the first time prior to a 2–1 friendly defeat to England at Old Trafford.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Lugano scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw with Venezuela at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario. He went on to score three further goals during qualification, including the only goal of a 1–0 win in San José against Costa Rica in the inter-continental play-off.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2009/11/15/1625582/costa-rica-0-1-uruguay-crucial-lugano-goal-brings-south|title=Costa Rica 0-1 Uruguay: Crucial Lugano Goal Brings South Americans Closer To World Cup 2010|date=15 November 2009|work=Goal.com}}

File:U02 Diego Lugano 3036.jpg in 2014]]

Lugano was a first choice player for Uruguay at the 2007 Copa América, captaining the team in each of its six matches.{{cite news|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tables/2007safull.html|title=Copa América 2007|access-date=13 June 2015|work=RSSSF}} In the team's semi-final against Brazil, Lugano had his decisive kick in the penalty shootout saved by Doni. Lugano was sent off in the 3–1 third-place play-off defeat to Mexico at the Estadio Olímpico in Caracas.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Lugano led Uruguay to an impressive fourth-placed finish. Lugano also captained Uruguay to victory at the 2011 Copa América, playing in all six games for the eventual champions.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/3709/copa-america/2011/07/26/2590883/uruguays-diego-lugano-our-hard-work-paid-off-in-copa-america |title=Uruguay's Diego Lugano: Our Hard Work Paid Off In Copa America |publisher=Goal.com |date=26 July 2011 }} On 2 September 2011, Lugano scored a goal as Uruguay defeated Ukraine 3–2 in an international friendly away in Kharkiv. In his next call up to the national side, on 7 October 2011, Lugano netted a brace in Uruguay's 4–2 defeat of Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.{{cite web |url=http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/oct/07/uruguay-defeats-bolivia-4-2-in-world-cup/#axzz2IwiK7n8A |title=Uruguay defeats Bolivia 4–2 in World Cup qualifier |publisher=Kitsap Sun |date=7 October 2011 |access-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216005704/http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/oct/07/uruguay-defeats-bolivia-4-2-in-world-cup/#axzz2IwiK7n8A |archive-date=16 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}

On 20 June 2013, Lugano scored his ninth goal for Uruguay against Nigeria in a 2–1 win at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, where the nation eventually finished in fourth place. He also participated in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, playing in his first and only game of the tournament as the captain against Costa Rica on 14 June 2014, where Uruguay lost 1–3. A knee injury saw Lugano miss the remainder of Uruguay's World Cup matches, with 19-year-old José Giménez replacing him as Diego Godín's partner in defence.{{cite news|title=Lugano out of England clash|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=lugano-out-of-england-clash-2375947.html|date=18 June 2014|work=FIFA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307180601/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y%3D2014/m%3D6/news%3Dlugano-out-of-england-clash-2375947.html|archive-date=7 March 2015}}

Lugano was omitted from Óscar Tabárez's first post-World Cup squad for friendly matches against Japan and South Korea in September 2014.{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/uruguay-begin-renewal-without-diego-lugano-and-diego-forlan-1.1375184|title=Uruguay begin renewal without Diego Lugano and Diego Forlan|date=22 August 2014|work=Gulf News}} Later, the 34-year-old stated that he had not retired from the national team and would be available for selection if required. However, he was not named in Uruguay's squad for the 2015 Copa América.{{cite web |title=Uruguay confirm Copa América squad numbers as Rolán lands Suárez's No.9 |url=http://www.ca2015.com/en/news/uruguay-confirm-copa-america-squad-numbers-with-rolan-taking-suarezs-no9/1g4mw7am9khxi1dcpc7jxfh8f4 |access-date=9 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612033334/http://www.ca2015.com/en/news/uruguay-confirm-copa-america-squad-numbers-with-rolan-taking-suarezs-no9/1g4mw7am9khxi1dcpc7jxfh8f4 |archive-date=12 June 2015}}

Personal life

Lugano is married to Karina Roncio and has three children: Nicolás, Thiago, and Bianca. During the 2000s, Nicolás played for Fenerbahçe youth teams.{{cite web |date=18 August 2006 |title=Nicolas Lugano signed with Fenerbahce |url=http://www.forumel.biz/fenerbahce/31125-luganonun-oglu-da-fenerde.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415080111/http://www.forumel.biz/fenerbahce/31125-luganonun-oglu-da-fenerde.html |archive-date=15 April 2011 |access-date=26 June 2010 |publisher=Forumel.biz}}{{cite web |date=19 August 2006 |title=Lugano'nun oğlu Fener'de! |trans-title=Lugano's son signed too with Fenerbahce |url=http://www.radikal.com.tr/haber.php?haberno=196236 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100508054112/http://www.radikal.com.tr/haber.php?haberno=196236 |archive-date=8 May 2010 |access-date=26 June 2010 |publisher=Radikal.com.tr |language=tr}} Nicolás now played for the U-19 Defensor squad. Thiago and Bianca were born in Istanbul.{{cite web |date=2 November 2006 |title=Lugano Tekrar Baba Oldu |trans-title=Lugano became father second time |url=http://www.fenerbahce.org/fb2008/popdetay.asp?ContentID=5261 |access-date=26 June 2010 |publisher=Fenerbahce.org |language=tr}}{{cite web |date=3 January 2009 |title=Lugano 3.kez baba oldu |trans-title=Lugano became father third time |url=http://www.fenerbahce.org/fb2008/popdetay.asp?ContentID=14242 |access-date=26 June 2010 |publisher=Fenerbahce.org |language=tr}} He has cited the defenders Hugo de León and Paolo Montero as his personal football heroes.{{cite web |date=12 April 2006 |title=The rock of São Paulo: Lugano on his Brazilian success, Uruguayan struggles |url=http://www.southamericanfutbol.com/2006/04/interview-the-rock-of-sao-paulo-lugano-on-his-brazilian-success-uruguayan-struggles/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009145532/http://www.southamericanfutbol.com/2006/04/interview-the-rock-of-sao-paulo-lugano-on-his-brazilian-success-uruguayan-struggles/ |archive-date=9 October 2011 |access-date=25 June 2010 |publisher=SouthAmericanFutbol.com}} A sports complex in the Uruguayan city Canelones, the Complejo Diego Lugano, is named after him,{{cite web |date=29 July 2011 |title=Canelones tendrá el Complejo "Diego Lugano? |url=https://www.lr21.com.uy/deportes/464589-canelones-tendra-el-complejo-diego-lugano}}{{cite web |title=Complejo Diego Lugano - Women Soccerway |url=https://es.women.soccerway.com/venues/uruguay/complejo-diego-lugano/v24147/}} and serves Club Social y Deportivo SAC de Canelones.{{cite web |title=Uruguay - Club Social y Deportivo SAC de Canelones - Resultados, próximos partidos, equipo, estadísticas, fotos, videos y noticias - Women Soccerway |url=https://es.women.soccerway.com/teams/uruguay/canelones-sac/45479/}} In 2015, Lugano gained international wide media attention when his wife and he travelled on a bus in Asunción after having a problem with his vehicle.{{cite web |title=Diego Lugano viajó en colectivo en Paraguay |url=https://www.unoentrerios.com.ar/ovacion/diego-lugano-viajo-colectivo-paraguay-n933743.html/amp}}{{cite web |title=Diego Lugano y un gesto de humildad que es aplaudido en Paraguay |url=https://www.americatv.com.pe/deportes/futbol-mundial/diego-lugano-y-gesto-humildad-que-aplaudido-paraguay-n197426}}{{cite web |date=10 September 2015 |title=Lugano, un paraguayo más que viaja en colectivo |url=https://www.marca.com/2015/09/10/futbol/futbol_internacional/resto_de_america/1441906789.html}}{{cite web |title=Un crack mundial que recorre Asunción en bus - Fútbol - ABC Color |url=https://www.abc.com.py/deportes/futbol/un-crack-mundial-que-recorre-asuncion-en-bus-1406204.html?outputType=amp}}{{cite web |title=Facebook: Diego Lugano viajó en bus por las calles de Paraguay |date=10 September 2015 |url=https://rpp.pe/futbol/futbol-mundial/facebook-diego-lugano-viajo-en-microbus-por-las-calles-de-paraguay-noticia-900654}}

Lugano is of Piedmontese descent and holds the Italian passport.{{cite web |title=Juve: Lugano si offre alla Signora |url=http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/sport/articoli/articolo387954.shtml |website=TGCOM |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305041713/http://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/sport/articoli/articolo387954.shtml |archive-date=5 March 2016 |date=15 November 2007}}{{cite web |title=El Milan se suma a la puja por Lugano |url=https://www.elpais.com.uy/ovacion/futbol/el-milan-se-suma-a-la-puja-por-lugano |website=El País |access-date=30 April 2023 |date=9 April 2009}}

Career statistics

=Club=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|State league{{efn|Includes Campeonato Paulista}}

!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Turkish Cup, Coupe de France, FA Cup, Copa do Brasil}}

!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes Coupe de la Ligue, Football League Cup}}

!colspan="2"|Continental

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
rowspan="5"|São Paulo

|2003

|rowspan="4"|Série A

|23

110colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–6{{efn|name=COS|Appearances in Copa Sudamericana}}110312
2004

|34

160colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–8{{efn|Four appearances in Copa Libertadores, four appearances in Copa Sudamericana}}010491
2005

|27

5141colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–13{{efn|name=COL|Appearances in Copa Libertadores}}17{{efn|Two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup}}0657
2006

|11

090colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–12{{efn|name=COL}}010330
colspan="2"|Total

!95

7301colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–43210017810
rowspan="6"|Fenerbahçe

|2006–07

|rowspan="5"|Süper Lig

|24

4colspan="2"|–50colspan="2"|–7{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Cup}}1colspan="2"|–365
2007–08

|23

0colspan="2"|–30colspan="2"|–11{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Champions League|name=UCL}}100371
2008–09

|25

7colspan="2"|–70colspan="2"|–9{{efn|name=UCL}}0colspan="2"|–417
2009–10

|25

3colspan="2"|–81colspan="2"|–9{{efn|name=UEL|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}100425
2010–11

|28

7colspan="2"|–22colspan="2"|–2{{efn|name=UEL}}0colspan="2"|–329
colspan="2"|Total

!125

21colspan="2"|–253colspan="2"|–3830019827
rowspan="3"|Paris Saint-Germain

|2011–12

|rowspan="2"|Ligue 1

|12

0colspan="2"|–31105{{efn|name=UEL}}0colspan="2"|–211
2012–13

|0

0colspan="2"|–000000colspan="2"|–00
colspan="2"|Total

!12

0colspan="2"|–311050colspan="2"|–211
Málaga(loan)

|2012–13

|La Liga

|11

0colspan="2"|–00colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–110
West Bromwich Albion

|2013–14

|Premier League

|9

1colspan="2"|–1020colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–121
BK Häcken

|2015

|Allsvenskan

|11

0colspan="2"|–00colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–110
Cerro Porteño

|2015

|Primera División

|16

5colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–colspan="2"|–165
rowspan="3"|São Paulo

|2016

|rowspan="2"|Série A

|13

20010colspan="2"|–4{{efn|name=COL}}070252
2017

|5

00010colspan="2"|–0050110
colspan="2"|Total

!18

20020colspan="2"|–40120362
colspan="3"|Career total

!288

363013143090522046446

{{notelist}}

=International=

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year{{cite web|title=Diego Lugano - AUF|url=https://www.auf.org.uy/diego-lugano/|access-date=26 November 2020}}

National teamYearAppsGoals
rowspan="12"|Uruguay

|2003

10
200410
200570
200620
2007110
200892
2009102
2010110
2011164
201280
2013151
201440
colspan="2"|Total959

:Scores and results list Uruguay's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lugano goal.

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ List of international goals scored by Diego Lugano{{Soccerway|diego-alfredo-lugano-morena/4733}}

scope="col"|No.

!scope="col"|Date

!scope="col"|Venue

!scope="col"|Opponent

!scope="col"|Score

!scope="col"|Result

!scope="col"|Competition

style="text-align:center"|114 June 2008Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay{{fb|VEN}}style="text-align:center"|1–0style="text-align:center"|1–12010 FIFA World Cup qualification
style="text-align:center"|211 October 2008Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina{{fb|ARG}}style="text-align:center"|1–2style="text-align:center"|1–22010 FIFA World Cup qualification
style="text-align:center"|328 March 2009Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay{{fb|PAR|1990}}style="text-align:center"|2–0style="text-align:center"|2–02010 FIFA World Cup qualification
style="text-align:center"|415 November 2009Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, San José, Costa Rica{{fb|CRC}}style="text-align:center"|1–0style="text-align:center"|1–02010 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off
style="text-align:center"|529 March 2011Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland{{fb|IRL}}style="text-align:center"|1–0style="text-align:center"|3–2Friendly
style="text-align:center"|62 September 2011Metalist Oblast Sports Complex, Kharkiv, Ukraine{{fb|UKR}}style="text-align:center"|2–2style="text-align:center"|3–2Friendly
style="text-align:center"|7rowspan="2"| 7 October 2011rowspan="2"| Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguayrowspan="2"| {{fb|BOL}}style="text-align:center"|2–1rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–2rowspan="2"| 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
style="text-align:center"|8style="text-align:center"|4–1
style="text-align:center"|920 June 2013Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil{{fb|NGA}}style="text-align:center"|1–0style="text-align:center"|2–12013 FIFA Confederations Cup

Honours

Nacional

São Paulo

Fenerbahçe

Uruguay

Individual

  • Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2005{{cite web |title=Em 2005, melhores do Campeonato Brasileiro recebem prêmio Craque do Brasileirão |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/bau-do-esporte/videos/v/em-2005-melhores-do-campeonato-brasileiro-recebem-premio-craque-do-brasileirao/2234360/ |access-date=29 September 2016 |date=6 December 2005 |publisher=Globo Esporte |language=pt |archive-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718030648/http://globoesporte.globo.com/bau-do-esporte/videos/v/em-2005-melhores-do-campeonato-brasileiro-recebem-premio-craque-do-brasileirao/2234360/ |url-status=dead }}

References

{{reflist}}