Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, tragically passed away days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match between his team, Club Nacional, and Sao Paulo on 22 August 2024.
Izquierdo, who was substituted in the game, collapsed in the 84th minute due to an irregular heartbeat, with no contact from other players. He was immediately treated on the field and rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein in Brazil, where he received intensive neurological care but unfortunately could not recover.
Izquierdo’s condition rapidly deteriorated; he was placed on a ventilator on Sunday, and despite efforts to stabilize him, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. His club, Nacional, expressed deep sorrow over his death, 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”. Tributes poured in from the football community, including heartfelt condolences from former teammates and other clubs.
Following Izquierdo’s passing, Uruguay’s first and second-division leagues postponed their matches as a mark of respect. Izquierdo’s career included stints at clubs like Peñarol and Liverpool, where he played a key role in winning the Uruguayan league title in 2023. His sudden death has left a significant impact on the football world, highlighting the risks associated with heart conditions in athletes.
