In the summer of 2016, Indian football fans were treated to something surreal. Diego Forlan, a name once synonymous with world football, landed in Mumbai. At 37, the Uruguayan forward joined Mumbai City FC for the third season of the Indian Super League (ISL), bringing with him decades of elite experience, a Golden Ball from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and a kind of quiet charisma.

While most fans knew him from his wonder goals in South Africa or his La Liga exploits, few expected him to roll up his sleeves and get to work in the blistering Indian heat. But Forlan didn’t arrive in India for just another football experience. He arrived to compete, to inspire and to deliver.

Living up to the hype

In 2016, the ISL was still in its early stage. Clubs were finding their feet, fanbases were still growing and squads were changing. Amidst that, Forlan brought a level of quality and professionalism that few in the league had seen before.

He went about his business and quickly adapted to a new league, new teammates and a new footballing culture. In a squad that included players like Sunil Chhetri, Sony Norde and Lucian Goian, Forlan often acted as the glue that held the Islanders together.

Forlan scored five goals in 12 matches during the season. His best moment included a memorable hat-trick against Kerala Blasters FC that left fans at the Mumbai Football Arena in raptures. That night was special. His movement was sharp, his finishing was clinical and he was simply unplayable; the kind of quality you'd expect from someone who's been there and done that.

But his contributions went beyond goals. The Uruguayan finished as the joint-highest assist provider for the Islanders that campaign alongside Matias Defedrico. He played with intent, took Indian players under his wing and never once looked like someone in the twilight of his career. In many ways, he became a mentor figure in a team that was still figuring out how to win consistently.

Forlan was arguably Mumbai City FC’s most influential player that season and for the first time in three seasons, the team made it to the playoffs. They not only qualified for the knockouts, but also topped the league for the first time having finished seventh (2014) and sixth (2015) in their first two seasons. The team won all their league games whenever Forlan was involved in the goals.

MCFC's cult hero

While his stint lasted just one season, Forlan remains one of Mumbai City FC’s most memorable players. There was a certain novelty to seeing a Ballon d’Or nominee taking free-kicks and leading the line on a humid evening at the Mumbai Football Arena. He brought credibility to a league and while doing so, he set a standard.

Forlan may not have won silverware in India, but he left behind something more lasting: a sense of belief. For fans, there was a glimpse into his world-class footballing intellect. For players, he was a reminder that reputations are built on work ethic as much as talent.

Years on, his name still brings a smile among Mumbai City FC fans. He gave the supporters and the league a moment to cherish, a time when a footballing great chose to wear their colours and wore them with pride.

Forlan was a living dream, one that reminded the league how much further it could still go.

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