Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, passed away on August 27, 2024, at 21:38 local time, 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 immediately rushed to Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo.According to the medical bulletin released by the hospital, Izquierdo succumbed to brain death caused by cardiorespiratory arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia. It has been revealed that Izquierdo had a pre-existing heart condition, arrhythmia, which was diagnosed 10 years ago. Despite this, he had been undergoing regular medical check-ups and never let it hinder his football career.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’. In response to the tragedy, the Uruguayan Football Association suspended all football activities for the upcoming weekend.Izquierdo’s professional career began in 2018 with Club Atlético Cerro. He joined Nacional in 2022, scoring two goals in 33 games. This season, he had already played 25 matches for Nacional.The player leaves behind his wife, Selena, and two children, including a newborn son born just days before his collapse. Selena had made a heartfelt plea for prayers, stating that her husband still had much to live for alongside their young children.As a mark of respect, São Paulo players wore jerseys in support of Izquierdo in their last match against Vitória. The Brazilian Football Federation announced that a minute of silence will be observed in every game on Wednesday as a tribute to Izquierdo.
Key points
- Juan Izquierdo, 27, died on August 27, 2024, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match.
- Izquierdo had a pre-existing heart condition, arrhythmia, diagnosed 10 years ago.
- The Uruguayan Football Association suspended all football activities for the upcoming weekend in response to Izquierdo’s death.
- Izquierdo leaves behind his wife, Selena, and two children, including a newborn son.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported time of Izquierdo’s collapse, with some sources stating it occurred in the 84th minute, while others report the 83rd minute.
