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Juan Izquierdo, a Nacional defender has tragically passed away following a sudden collapse on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match earlier this month.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan suffered a cardiac arrest on August 22 during Nacional’s match against Sao Paulo.
Izquierdo was immediately rushed to Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, where his condition was initially reported as stable. However, his health deteriorated in recent days, ultimately leading to his passing.
Nacional announced the heartbreaking news in a statement on social media, expressing deep sorrow. “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” the club posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the football community. A spokesperson for Sao Paulo described it as a “sad day for football.” Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez, a fellow Uruguayan, expressed his grief, saying, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Izquierdo, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo. On behalf of FIFA and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”
Izquierdo had been placed on a ventilator on Sunday and was under neurological care since Monday. The defender had entered the match as a half-time substitute for former Liverpool player Sebastian Coates. He collapsed in the 84th minute without any contact with other players.
Medical personnel immediately attended to Izquierdo on the pitch before he was transferred to the intensive care unit. In response to the incident, Uruguay’s first and second division leagues were postponed over the weekend.
Adding to the tragedy, Izquierdo’s wife recently gave birth to their second child, just ten days before his collapse, according to Spanish newspaper ‘El País’. Izquierdo had no prior history of heart conditions.
The football world mourns the loss of a promising player whose life was cut short too soon.
