Juan Izquierdo, a defender for Club Nacional, tragically died at the age of 27 after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo on August 22.
The incident occurred in the 84th minute of the game, prompting immediate medical attention on the field before he was transported to Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo.
Despite efforts to stabilize him, including intensive care and the use of a ventilator, Izquierdo succumbed to complications from cardiac arrest, leading to brain death, as confirmed by hospital officials on August 27. His club expressed profound sorrow in a statement, offering condolences to his family, friends, and teammates, and declaring a period of mourning for their beloved player.
The Uruguayan football community has been deeply affected by Izquierdo’s passing, with the president of CONMEBOL, Alejandro Domínguez, acknowledging the loss and expressing condolences. Fellow Uruguayan footballer Luis Suárez also shared his grief, describing the situation as painful and difficult to articulate.
In response to the tragedy, all football activities in Uruguay were suspended for the weekend, and the Brazilian Football Federation announced a minute of silence at all matches to honor Izquierdo. He is survived by his wife and two young children, the youngest of whom was born just days before his passing. Izquierdo’s career included stints at several clubs in Uruguay, and he was recognized for his talent and contributions to the sport.
