From High-Profile Engagements to Lasting Love: Diego Forlán's Journey with Zaira Nara and Paz Cardoso

Diego Forlán, the revered Uruguayan football legend, has captivated fans not only with his prowess on the field but also with his public romantic life. His journey through love has seen high-profile engagements and ultimately, a settled family life, reflecting different chapters of his career and personal growth. From his early days in the spotlight to becoming a devoted husband and father, Forlán's relationships have often been subjects of media attention.

Forlán's first widely publicized relationship was with Argentine model and actress Zaira Nara. Their romance began around 2009, quickly becoming a prominent fixture in South American celebrity news. The couple's relationship was closely followed by the media, often appearing in social events and public outings.

After approximately two years of dating, Forlán and Nara announced their engagement on March 9, 2011, via their respective Twitter accounts. Wedding plans were set, and the couple seemed poised for marriage. However, just a few months later, in June 2011, their engagement was abruptly called off, leading to significant media speculation.

The breakup was famously confirmed by Zaira Nara with a terse and memorable tweet: > "THANK GOD I NEVER GOT MARRIED." Reports suggested various reasons for the split, including Zaira discovering compromising messages on Forlán's phone related to a planned bachelor party, and discussions surrounding a prenuptial agreement. Forlán later stated that he realized the marriage was not what he wanted, indicating a mutual decision to end the relationship despite the public shock.

Following his high-profile split from Zaira Nara, Diego Forlán was briefly linked to Uruguayan model Vitto Saravia. This relationship reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, a period of transition for Forlán after his broken engagement. While less extensively documented than his previous romance, it marked a short chapter in his dating history before he found his long-term partner.

Forlán found enduring love with Paz Cardoso, a Uruguayan field hockey player. Their relationship began in 2012, a year after his engagement to Nara ended. This romance developed with a more private and stable trajectory, moving away from the intense media scrutiny that characterized his previous high-profile relationship.

The couple formalized their union with a civil wedding on July 2, 2013. A larger religious ceremony followed on December 11, 2013, held in San José de la Montaña, Carrasco, Uruguay. The wedding was a more intimate affair compared to the public speculation surrounding his previous engagement, attended by family and close friends, including several notable figures from the football world.

Their marriage marked a significant shift in Forlán's personal life, as he embraced fatherhood. Paz Cardoso and Diego Forlán have since welcomed four children into their family. Their first son, Martín, was born on February 18, 2016. He was followed by their daughter, Luz, born on May 15, 2017.

Their family continued to grow with the arrival of their second son, César, on February 11, 2019. Most recently, their fourth child, Ezequiel, was born on March 20, 2021. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing a happy and active household, often involving their children in sports.

Paz Cardoso has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on her family and supporting Forlán's endeavors, including his recent transition into professional tennis. In December 2023, Paz celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary, sharing a heartfelt message: > “10 years later: 4 sweethearts, different homes, many countries, incredible experiences, endless learning and more love and admiration than that first day. Thank you Diego Forlán for making me the happiest woman in the world 10 years ago. Here’s to many more.” This sentiment underscores the stability and happiness they have built together, a stark contrast to the turbulent romantic chapters of his earlier years in the public eye.

Diego Forlán's romantic journey illustrates a path from highly publicized, tumultuous relationships to a private and fulfilling family life. His marriage to Paz Cardoso and their four children represent a settled and content chapter for the football icon, far removed from the dramatic headlines of his past engagements. He continues to prioritize his family, sharing moments of their life together while pursuing new ventures beyond football.