Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, died on August 28, 2024, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo FC. Izquierdo suffered a cardiac arrest in the 84th minute of the game on August 22 and was rushed to Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he remained in critical condition.Despite intensive medical efforts, Izquierdo succumbed to brain death caused by cardiorespiratory arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia. The hospital reported his time of death as 21:38 local time.The football community has been deeply shaken by Izquierdo’s passing. His club, Nacional, released a statement saying, ‘With the deepest pain and impact in our hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. The entire Nacional mourns this irreparable loss’. CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez expressed his condolences, stating, ‘South American football is in mourning’.Fellow Uruguayan and Inter Miami player Luis Suárez shared his grief, saying, ‘It’s hard to explain the pain and sadness. May he rest in peace. I wish his family and friends a lot of strength’.In response to the tragedy, the Uruguayan Football Association suspended all football activities last weekend. The Brazilian Football Federation announced that a minute of silence will be observed in every game on Wednesday as a tribute to Izquierdo.Izquierdo’s professional career began in 2018 with Club Atlético Cerro. He joined Nacional in 2022, scoring two goals in 33 games. He leaves behind his wife, Selena, and two children, including a newborn son born earlier in August.
Key points
- Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, died five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match.
- Izquierdo’s death was caused by brain death following a cardiac arrest associated with arrhythmia.
- The incident has led to the suspension of football activities in Uruguay and tributes across South America.
