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Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has died following a cardiac arrest suffered during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo on August 22. The 27-year-old Uruguayan collapsed on the pitch due to an irregular heartbeat and was later treated at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
Initially, Nacional reported that Izquierdo’s condition was stable, but his health deteriorated in recent days. The club announced his passing with deep sorrow, 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.”
The news has been met with widespread mourning across the football community. Sao Paulo described it as a “sad day for football,” while Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez expressed his grief, stating, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also offered condolences, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo. On behalf of FIFA and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”
Izquierdo, who had no known heart condition prior to the incident, collapsed in the 84th minute of the match. Despite receiving immediate medical attention on the pitch and being rushed to intensive care, he could not be saved. The Uruguayan leagues were postponed over the weekend in tribute to Izquierdo.
The defender’s passing is especially poignant as his wife recently gave birth to their second child.
