Frank Christian
Regrettably, Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo has passed away just days after collapsing on the field during a Copa Libertadores match.
The 27-year-old defender, who was part of the Uruguayan club Nacional, lost his life on Tuesday. He was admitted to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil on August 22 after falling ill suddenly during a Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo at the Morumbis Stadium.
The Nacional team convened with Izquierdo’s family at the hospital on Tuesday. Shortly after, Nacional confirmed his passing through a statement on their social media platforms.
“With immense sorrow and shock, Club Nacional de Football announces the tragic death of our dear player Juan Izquierdo,” the statement expressed. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him. Nacional mourns this profound loss.”
Sao Paulo also grieved the loss of the player, expressing profound sadness, while various clubs and soccer organizations worldwide paid their respects.
Real Madrid, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, issued a tribute to Izquierdo, sending their condolences and support “to his family, colleagues, Nacional de Football Club, all the teams he represented, Uruguayan soccer, and its supporters”.
Official Announcement: Passing away of Juan Izquierdo.#RealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) August 28, 2024
The Incident Involving Juan Izquierdo
Izquierdo experienced a cardiac arrhythmia during the Sao Paulo match. He received initial treatment on the field and left the stadium in a conscious state. Unfortunately, he later suffered a cardiac arrest, necessitating “cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation, which led to the restoration of spontaneous circulation.”
By Sunday, the hospital reported signs of brain damage progression and escalating intracranial pressure. He required mechanical ventilation and was classified as being in critical condition.
On Tuesday, updated information revealed that Izquierdo had encountered “brain death following cardiorespiratory arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.” Shortly thereafter, Nacional shared the news of his passing.
Remembering Juan Izquierdo
Juan Izquierdo, aged 27, hailed from Montevideo, Uruguay. He had stints with Cerro, Penarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and Mexican team Atletico San Luis before joining Nacional.
He joined the Uruguayan club in 2022 but briefly moved to Liverpool-URU the following year before returning to Nacional in 2024.
During his time with Nacional, he participated in 25 games across both spells and scored one goal.
