Juan Izquierdo has died at 27 after collapsing on the field during a Copa Libertadores game between his club Nacional and Sao Paulo .
He originally was under neurological critical care and on a ventilator before passing away. During the match against Sao Paulo on August 22, Izquierdo went into cardiac arrest and needed resuscitation after collapsing at Morumbi Stadium. He was then brought to Hospital Albert Einstein, but there were no updates given to reporters when asked for a statement.
Doctors did share that the defender had shown a "progression of his brain damage and an increase of intracranial pressure," which is considered to be life-threatening conditions. Uruguayan media also reported that Izquierdo's parents, wife, and two-year-old daughter were at the hospital as he received care.
Nacional confirmed Izquierdo's death, releasing a statement on X. "It is with deepest pain and shock in our heats that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved play Juan Izquierdo," the statement, which was translated to English, began.
"We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is pouring his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever."
As a result of Izquierdo's collapse, Uruguay suspended all soccer activity for the weekend. The Association for the Rights of Professional Footballers in Uruguay (MUFP) released a statement regarding the decision, stating the move was done for the safety of each player's health in the wake of the incident.
"Given the delicate health situation of footballer Juan Izquierdo, we inform our decision to suspend the professional football activity scheduled for this weekend," MUFP said at the time. "Our priority at the moment is to look after Juan's wellbeing, so we will closely follow his evolution in the coming hours."
At the time of his collapse, Izquierdo replaced Sebastian Coates at halftime. However, in the 84th minute, the defender fell to the ground, unconscious, in the 84th minute without any contact from another player.
Uruguayan star Luis Suarez also paid tribute to Izquierdo after news broke that the defender was in the hospital. After scoring the fastest goal in Inter Miami history, Suarez - who was a teammate of Izquierdo's in 2022 at Nacional - lifted his kit to show a white undershirt with the words "Fuerza Juan" emblazoned on it.
Sao Paulo did its part in paying tribute to Izquierdo. Over the weekend, the club wore shirts that read "Stay strong, Izquierdo" before its match against Vitoria.
Along with playing for Nacional, Izquierdo played for Cerro, Penarol, Wanderers and the Uruguayan club Liverpool. He also spent time in Mexico, playing for San Luis in 2021.
Most Popular
Comments / 0