Famous Uruguayan Men

Controversy’s favorite child Uruguayan professional Luis Suarez has been in the news for an infamous handball and also for biting opponents. He now plays for Atlético Madrid and has previously represented Barcelona and Liverpool, winning 19 trophies in his career to date. He is Uruguay's leading goalscorer of all time.

Uruguayan footballer, Edinson Cavani, is the second-most highest scorer among Uruguayan internationals, next only to Luis Suarez. During his time in Italy, he was called El Matador for his composure while scoring goals. Although considered one of the best strikers of his generation, Cavani has been criticized for his relatively poor performance in important games.

José Mujica is an Uruguayan retired politician. From 2010 to 2015, Mujica served as the president of Uruguay. A well-known philanthropist, Mujica won the hearts of many for his donation of 90 percent of his monthly salary to charities. Due to his generosity and austere lifestyle, José Mujica has often been referred to as the world's humblest head of state.

Eduardo Galeano was a Uruguayan novelist, journalist, and writer. Regarded as one of the most respected writers of Uruguay, Galeano was honored by the Global Exchange with the prestigious International Human Rights Award in 2006. In 2010, he was awarded the Stig Dagerman Prize.

Mario Benedetti was a Uruguayan novelist, journalist, and poet. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most important writers in the Spanish-speaking world, Benedetti was a key member of the Generation '45. Benedetti's works were published in 20 languages and he also contributed to the weekly newspaper, Marcha, where he served as the literary director from 1954 to 1973.  

Son of German immigrants who escaped the Holocaust, Jorge Drexler was born in Uruguay. Inspired by his physician parents, Dexler, became an otolaryngologist, but his love for music turned him into a Latin pop sensation. His song Al Otro Lado Del Rio from The Motorcycle Diaries won him an Oscar.

Angel Bonanni is an Israeli model and actor. He is known for playing important roles in popular American TV series like Absentia and Condor. One of the most popular models in Israel, Bonanni has appeared in fashion campaigns for major designers like Donna Karan and Jean Paul Gaultier. He has also appeared in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar.

Horacio Quiroga was a Uruguayan poet, playwright, and short story writer. He is best remembered for depicting jungles and characters with mental illnesses in his stories. Horacio Quiroga is credited with influencing the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Julio Cortázar.

José Gervasio Artigas was a Uruguayan military general, political leader, and statesman. Considered a national hero in Uruguay, Artigas played a major role in the Latin American wars of independence against the Hispanic Monarchy. Apart from monuments and statues that have been erected in his honor, several public places have also been named after José Gervasio Artigas.

Erwin Schrott is a Uruguayan opera singer best known for his bass-baritone voice. Over the years, Schrott has played important roles in popular operas like Macbeth and Don Giovanni. He has performed in famous venues such as the Vienna State Opera and the Royal Opera House. Erwin Schrott has also received prestigious awards for his work.

Tabaré Vázquez was a Uruguayan politician who served as the 39th and 41st president of Uruguay from 2005 to 2010 and from 2015 to 2020 respectively. The first socialist president of Uruguay, Vázquez's first presidency strengthened the country's diplomatic ties with Argentina and Brazil. In 2006, Tabaré Vázquez was honored by WHO for implementing strict tobacco control laws in Uruguay.

Martin Mendez is a Uruguayan Swedish bassist best known for his association with the popular Swedish progressive metal band, Opeth. He is the second-longest serving member of Opeth. Apart from Opeth, Martin Mendez has also played for several other bands like Proxima, Vinterkrig, and Fifth to Infinity.

Fede Alvarez is a Uruguayan filmmaker best known for directing American films like Evil Dead and Don't Breathe. Alvarez achieved international prominence after the release of Evil Dead, which grossed $97 million against a budget of $17 million. Fede Álvarez is also known for directing popular short films like Ataque de pánico!

Carlos Páez Rodríguez is a Uruguayan motivational speaker and writer. Nicknamed the man of the iron spirit, Rodríguez is best known for surviving a plane crash and spending 72 days in the Andes, during which the survivors resorted to cannibalism to keep themselves alive. The story inspired a film titled Alive where Carlos Páez Rodríguez was played by Bruce Ramsay.

Juan María Bordaberry was a Uruguayan politician best remembered for his service as the President of Uruguay from 1972 to 1976. He served as constitutional President from 1972 to 1973 and then as the chief of a civilian-military dictatorship until 1976. An important politician, Bordaberry also served as the Minister of Agriculture from 14 October 1969 to 1 February 1972.

Mauricio Rosencof is a Uruguayan poet, playwright, and journalist. He is best known for his book El regreso del Gran Tuleque, which inspired a 1999 film titled El chevrolé. Mauricio Rosencof's life and career, including his 12-year tenure in prison, were the basis for the 2018 drama film A Twelve-Year Night.

José Batlle y Ordóñez was a Uruguayan politician best remembered for his service as the President of Uruguay on two occasions. He held the president's office from 1903 to 1907 and again from 1911 to 1915. He was also appointed as the acting president in 1899. Batlle is credited with modernizing the country by introducing extensive welfare state reforms.

Carlos Páez Vilaró was a Uruguayan abstract artist, potter, sculptor, painter, muralist, composer, writer, and constructor. He began his career as a printing apprentice and then began composing music as well. He was part of the "Grupo de los 8", a movement of Uruguayan artists formed in the 1950s. He enjoyed a successful career but had a troubled personal life.