Uruguayan Footballer Juan Izquierdo Passes Away Following On-Field Collapse
Prince Jean
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Uruguayan Footballer Juan Izquierdo Passes Away After On-Field Collapse During Copa Libertadores Match. Photo:gettyimages
Juan Izquierdo, a 27-year-old Uruguayan footballer, tragically passed away on August 22 following a sudden cardiac arrest during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo.
Izquierdo, who played as a defender for Club Nacional, collapsed in the 84th minute of the game and was swiftly transported to Hospital Albert Einstein. The hospital later confirmed that he suffered a "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia." Despite receiving immediate medical attention, including being placed on a ventilator, Izquierdo's condition deteriorated, leading to his untimely passing.
Club Nacional announced the heartbreaking news on X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Izquierdo's family and loved ones.
"It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. 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 club's statement read.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez also expressed his condolences, stating that
"South American football is in mourning." São Paulo echoed the sentiment, describing it as a "sad day for football."
In a show of solidarity, São Paulo players donned shirts honoring Izquierdo, while the Uruguayan football leagues postponed matches in response to the tragic incident.
Throughout his career, Izquierdo played for several Uruguayan clubs, including Liverpool, Cerro, Peñarol, and Montevideo Wanderers. He notably helped Liverpool win the league title in 2023 before returning to Nacional this year, where he was competing for a starting position.
The football community remains in shock as tributes continue to pour in for the talented defender, who made a significant impact on and off the field.
