Diego Alfredo Lugano Moreno (born November 2, 1980 in Canelones) is a Uruguayan international footballer currently playing central defense for Turkish club Fenerbahçe. He is better known as Tota. He has previously played for Plaza Colonia, Nacional, and São Paulo, where he was very popular with the fans.
His family name, Lugano, is probably of Swiss origin. In fact in Switzerland, in the Canton of Ticino there is a city with the same name. There was a massive emigration from that Canton to Uruguay in the last centuries. The same case is for the other Uruguayan soccer player with the family name Canobbio.
In 2005, playing for São Paulo, he led his team to titles in the Campeonato Paulista, the Copa Libertadores, and FIFA Club World Championship. That same year, Lugano was awarded a prize as South America's best defender. In 2006, he carried his squad to runner-up in the Copa Libertadores.
In August 2006, after 2 months of rumors, he signed a four-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbahçe[2] and he become a fan favorite with the club. He won the Turkish Super League that year, the club's centenary year. Lugano missed a crucial penalty kick in the 2007 Copa America semifinal against Brazil which eliminated Uruguay.
With his great contribution, Fenerbahçe knock off Sevilla from Champions League 2nd round and for the first time at club history they will play at quarter finals against English side Chelsea.
Trivia
He is currently married and has two sons, Nicolas and new-born Taigo (who was also born on Diego's birthday).
He played for Uruguay in Copa América 2007, in which Uruguay finished 4th behind Mexico.
He is also the national team's captain.
He also has Italian citizenship.
He is included in the Pro Evolution Soccer video games, under the false name Luponi.
Honours
1999 Uruguayan Liguilla Champions with Nacional Montevideo
1999 Uruguayan Torneo Apertura Champions with Nacional Montevideo
2000 Uruguayan Torneo Apertura Champions with Nacional Montevideo
2001 Uruguayan Torneo Clasura Champions with Nacional Montevideo
1999-00 Primera División Uruguaya Champions with Nacional Montevideo
2000-01 Primera División Uruguaya Champions with Nacional Montevideo
2005 São Paulo State Championship Champions with São Paulo
2005 Copa Libertadores de América Winners with São Paulo
2005 FIFA Club World Championship Winners with São Paulo
2006 Brazilian Championship Champions with São Paulo
2007 Turkish Super League Champions with Fenerbahçe
2007 Turkish Super Cup Winners with Fenerbahçe