Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo tragically passed away at the age of 27, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Nacional defender’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, leaving fans, teammates, and officials in deep mourning.
Izquierdo collapsed shortly before full-time at Sao Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium, sparking immediate concern. He was rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein, where doctors battled to save his life. Despite their efforts, Izquierdo succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest caused by cardiac arrhythmia on Tuesday at 9:38 p.m. local time.
The news of Izquierdo’s passing has left the Uruguayan club, Nacional, heartbroken. In a statement posted on social media, the club expressed its profound grief, stating that Izquierdo’s death has left an “irreplaceable loss” in their hearts. The entire Nacional community is in mourning, a sentiment echoed across the South American soccer world.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez expressed his sorrow, stating, “South American soccer is in mourning.” Tributes and condolences have poured in from soccer federations across Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, underscoring the widespread impact of Izquierdo’s untimely death.
In the days leading up to his death, Izquierdo remained in critical condition, under neurological care due to increased intracranial pressure. He had been placed on a ventilator, with his parents and Nacional executives by his side. Izquierdo leaves behind a wife and two children, including a newborn son who arrived just earlier this month.
The impact of Izquierdo’s condition was felt across the Uruguayan soccer leagues. Last weekend, both the first and second-division matches were postponed out of respect and concern for the young player’s health. Meanwhile, Sao Paulo’s players showed their support by wearing shirts in honor of Izquierdo before their Brazilian league match against Vitoria on Sunday.
Following Izquierdo’s death, Sao Paulo’s club released a heartfelt statement, expressing their deep sadness and offering condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Uruguayan soccer community. The statement highlighted the shared grief and unity within the soccer world during this difficult time.
Izquierdo’s career, though short, was marked by promise and dedication. He began his professional journey in 2018 with Cerro and later moved to Peñarol, where he struggled for playing time. His potential was recognized internationally when he joined Mexico’s San Luís in 2021, though he returned to Montevideo Wanderers shortly after. In 2022, he signed with Nacional and contributed to Liverpool’s historic Uruguayan league title win in 2023 before rejoining Nacional this year.
At the time of his passing, Izquierdo had played 23 matches for Nacional and was vying for a spot in the starting lineup alongside veteran Sebastián Coates. His untimely death has left a void in the team and the broader soccer community, who will remember him for his athleticism, skill, and the passion he brought to the field.
