Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away after collapsing on the field during a Copa Libertadores match. The 27-year-old defender for Club Nacional suffered a severe cardiac event during the second leg of a round of 16 tie against São Paulo at Brazil’s Morumbi Stadium on August 22.
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Club Nacional announced Izquierdo’s death with a heartfelt message on X, expressing profound sorrow: “It is with deep sadness and shock that Club Nacional announces the passing of our cherished player Juan Izquierdo. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all those who knew him. Nacional is in mourning for this irreplaceable loss.”
Alejandro Domínguez, president of South American football’s governing body, also expressed his condolences, stating, “South American football is in mourning.” São Paulo FC echoed this sentiment, describing it as a “sad day for football.”
Izquierdo was rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein after collapsing during the match. Despite receiving intensive care, including ventilation and treatment for increased intracranial pressure, he unfortunately passed away late Tuesday. The hospital confirmed that his death was due to “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”
In response to Izquierdo’s health crisis, the Uruguayan football community postponed all first- and second-division matches over the weekend. São Paulo players showed solidarity by wearing shirts in support of the Uruguayan footballer during their 2-1 league victory against Vitória on Sunday.
Izquierdo began his professional career in 2018 with local club Cerro and went on to play for teams like Peñarol and Montevideo Wanderers. He joined Nacional in 2022 and made significant contributions, including helping Liverpool FC win the Uruguayan league title in 2023. He returned to Nacional this year, where he was fighting for a spot in the starting lineup.
Izquierdo’s untimely death has deeply impacted the football world, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered.
