The 40-year-old, who also played for Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, revealed his decision on Twitter.
He wrote: “After 21 years I made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer.
Luego de 21 años tomé la decisión de poner fin a mi carrera como futbolista profesional. Se cierra una linda etapa llena de grandes recuerdos y emociones pero comenzará otra de nuevos desafíos.
¡Gracias a todos los que de una u otra manera me acompañaron en este camino! ?? ? pic.twitter.com/gVwX0RQJow
— Diego Forlan (@DiegoForlan7) August 7, 2019
“A beautiful stage closes full of great memories and emotions but another of new challenges will begin.
“Thanks to all who in one way or another accompanied me on this path!”
Forlan moved to Manchester United from Argentine side Independiente for £6.9million in January 2002.
He had to wait until September to score his first goal, and went on to find the net 17 times in 98 appearances.
Although his time at Old Trafford was not exactly a roaring success, Forlan became a prolific goalscorer in LaLiga for both Villareal and Atletico.
He also scored 36 goals in 112 games for Uruguay, helping them to the Copa America title in 2011.
The @adidas Golden Ball winner at South Africa 2010 ?
Good luck in your retirement, @DiegoForlan7 ??@Uruguay | #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/S7PNeDgtP6
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 7, 2019
Forlan won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the 2010 World Cup – where Uruguay reached the semi-finals.
He wound down his career with boyhood club Penarol, Mumbai City and most recently Kitchee in Hong Kong.