Juan Izquierdo, 27, tragically passed away just days after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match between his club Nacional and Sao Paulo. Initially, he was under critical neurological care and on a ventilator before his death.
During the game against Sao Paulo on August 22, Izquierdo suffered a cardiac arrest and required resuscitation after collapsing at Morumbi Stadium. He was subsequently taken to Hospital Albert Einstein.
Medical professionals revealed that the defender had experienced a "progression of his brain damage and an increase of intracranial pressure," conditions considered life-threatening. Uruguayan media also reported that Izquierdo's parents, wife and two-year-old daughter were present at the hospital while he was receiving treatment.
Nacional confirmed Izquierdo's death in a heartfelt statement released on X. "It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," the statement, translated into English, began.
"We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional mourns his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever."
Following the harrowing collapse of Izquierdo, Uruguay has put a halt to all football activities for the coming weekend. The Association for the Rights of Professional Footballers in Uruguay (MUFP) has issued a heartfelt statement calling attention to this precautionary measure: "Given the delicate health situation of footballer Juan Izquierdo, we inform our decision to suspend the professional football activity scheduled for this weekend," Focused intently on Izquierdo's recovery, MUFP emphasised that "Our priority at the moment is to look after Juan's wellbeing, so we will closely follow his evolution in the coming hours."
Juan Izquierdo was substituted for Sebastian Coates during half-time; however, in a chilling turn of events, he collapsed without any player contact and became unconscious in the 84th minute.
In support of his former colleague, drawn from their time together at Nacional in 2022, Uruguayan football sensation Luis Suarez paid an emotional tribute to Izquierdo. Having scored for Inter Miami, Suarez revealed a white undershirt bearing the poignant message "Fuerza Juan" as a symbol of solidarity with the hospitalised defender.
Solidarity in the football community was further evident as Sao Paulo also honoured Izquierdo. They donned shirts emblazoned with "Stay strong, Izquierdo" before taking to the field against Vitoria, a touching gesture reflecting the sport's united front during such critical moments.
In addition to his time at Nacional, Izquierdo also turned out for Cerro, Penarol, Wanderers and Liverpool in Uruguay. He also had a stint in Mexico, playing for San Luis in 2021.
