27-year-old Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo dies after on-field collapse

Nacional’s Juan Izquierdo tragically passes away following a cardiac event during a Copa Libertadores match.

Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match last week. 

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.

Nacional announced Izquierdo’s passing with a heartfelt message on X, stating, "It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the 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 president of South American football’s governing body, Alejandro Domínguez, also extended his condolences, adding, "South American football is in mourning." São Paulo FC echoed the sentiment, calling it a "sad day for football."

Izquierdo was immediately taken to Hospital Albert Einstein after collapsing during the match. Despite receiving intensive care, including being placed on a ventilator and treated for increased intracranial pressure, he tragically succumbed to his condition late on Tuesday. 

The hospital confirmed that his death was due to "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia."

The football community in Uruguay responded by postponing all first- and second-division matches over the weekend out of concern for Izquierdo’s health. 

In a show of solidarity, São Paulo players wore 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 several teams, including Peñarol and Montevideo Wanderers. 

He joined Nacional in 2022 and quickly became a standout player, contributing to Liverpool FC’s Uruguayan league title in 2023. 

Izquierdo returned to Nacional this year, where he was competing for a spot in the starting lineup.

Izquierdo’s untimely death has left the football world in mourning, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.