Juan Izquierdo, a defender for Uruguayan club Nacional, has sadly passed away at the age of 27. The news was announced by the club on Tuesday, confirming that Izquierdo succumbed to the effects of an irregular heartbeat that caused him to collapse on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo on August 22nd in Brazil.
Izquierdo collapsed in the 84th minute of the match at the Morumbi stadium, falling to the ground unconscious without any contact with another player. He was quickly taken off the field in an ambulance and admitted to the intensive care unit of the Albert Einstein Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment ever since.
“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” Nacional wrote on X, expressing their condolences to Izquierdo’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. “All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), also expressed his deepest condolences to Izquierdo’s family and friends, stating that “South American football is in mourning.” Sao Paulo FC similarly expressed their profound sadness at the news, calling it a “sad day for football.”
The football community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Izquierdo, a young and talented player who had a promising career ahead of him. His sudden passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
