Uruguayan Defender Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing on Field
- He was treated at Albert Einstein Hospital but passed away from brain death.
- Condolences have been extended by Club Nacional and football organizations.
- Football activities in Uruguay were suspended; a minute’s silence will be held in Brazil.
Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away after collapsing on the pitch last week due to an irregular heartbeat, his Uruguayan club confirmed on Tuesday. The 27-year-old player had been receiving medical treatment since his collapse during Nacional’s Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo on August 22.
Izquierdo fell unconscious in the 84th minute of the game without any contact from other players. He was promptly transported from the field in an ambulance and admitted to the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital. The hospital later announced that Izquierdo had died as a result of brain death caused by cardiopulmonary arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.
In response to this devastating loss, Club Nacional expressed their deep sorrow and shock. The club posted a message on X, stating, “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
In light of the tragedy, football activity in Uruguay was suspended over the weekend out of respect and concern for Izquierdo’s health. CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez also offered his condolences, reflecting, “South American football is in mourning.”
Former teammates and current players, including Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez, expressed their grief. Suárez shared, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
Izquierdo’s career spanned several clubs, including Cerro, Peñarol, Wanderers, and Liverpool in Uruguay, as well as San Luis in Liga MX. The Uruguayan Football Association described the news as deeply painful, and national governing bodies from Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia extended their condolences to his family.
In a gesture of respect, the Brazilian Football Federation president Ednaldo Rodrigues announced that a minute’s silence would be observed at every match organized by the federation on Wednesday. Sao Paulo also expressed their sadness, calling it a “sad day for football.