The South American football community is in deep mourning following the tragic passing of Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo. The 27-year-old, who played for the prestigious Uruguayan club Nacional, collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match last week due to an irregular heartbeat. Despite immediate medical intervention, Izquierdo passed away on Tuesday evening.
According to a statement from Nacional, doctors at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, confirmed that the cause of death was cardiorespiratory arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia. Izquierdo’s death was officially recorded at 9:38 p.m. local time on Tuesday (0038 GMT Wednesday), marking a devastating moment for his club, his family, and football fans across the continent.
Nacional expressed their profound grief in a heartfelt post on the social media platform X, describing Izquierdo’s passing as an “irreparable loss.” The outpouring of condolences has been widespread, reflecting the significant impact Izquierdo had on his teammates and the broader football community.
Alejandro Domínguez, the head of the South American football association CONMEBOL, also offered his deepest sympathies. “South American football is in mourning,” Domínguez stated, acknowledging the sorrow felt across the region and offering support to Izquierdo’s family and his club during this difficult time.
Juan Izquierdo’s career in football began in Uruguay’s first division with Club Atlético Cerro in 2018. He joined Nacional in 2022, where he made 33 appearances and scored two goals, leaving a lasting legacy in his relatively short career.
