Montevideo, Uruguay – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo has passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a club game last week.
The devastating news was announced on Wednesday, August 28, by Club Nacional de Football, for which Izquierdo played in South America’s prestigious Copa Libertadores.
“It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” wrote Nacional in a heartfelt post on X. The club further expressed, “We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever.”
The incident on the field
The 27-year-old athlete was rushed to intensive care after collapsing on the pitch due to an irregular heartbeat during a match against Sao Paulo on August 22. The incident, which occurred in the 84th minute of the game, prompted immediate medical assistance from players of both teams. See the moment below:
Cause of death
Albert Einstein Hospital, where Izquierdo was taken, released a statement late Tuesday confirming that he suffered from “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”
South American soccer body chief Alejandro Dominguez extended his condolences, stating, “South American football is in mourning.” Sao Paulo, the team against which Izquierdo collapsed, described the incident as a “sad day for football” and showed their support by wearing a shirt in his honor during their Brazilian league win against Vitoria on Sunday.
As the soccer world grapples with this tragic loss, tributes and condolences continue to pour in, reflecting the profound impact Juan Izquierdo had on his colleagues, fans, and the sport itself. His memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of many.