Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Copa Libertadores Match

Author:

Olivia Phillips

|Published: August 29th, 2024

Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo, a defender for Nacional, tragically passed away at the age of 27 after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Izquierdo died on Tuesday at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo due to “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia,” following five days of critical care after the incident.

Izquierdo’s sudden collapse occurred last Thursday at Morumbi Stadium, shocking fans and players alike.

Despite medical efforts, including the use of a defibrillator, his condition worsened, leading to his passing.

Izquierdo’s wife, Selena, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing her grief and love for her husband, who leaves behind two children, including a newborn son.

“Today a part of me dies with you,” she wrote.

Tributes poured in from teammates, clubs, and the broader soccer community. Mateo Antoni, a fellow player, reflected on Izquierdo’s impact, saying, “What remains with me for all my life is that I know that I will always watch your back because I know you will be watching mine.”

Nacional and other clubs expressed deep sorrow, with CONMEBOL and prominent players like Luis Suárez also offering condolences.

Uruguay’s first and second-division leagues were postponed due to Izquierdo’s condition, and Sao Paulo players showed support by wearing a shirt in his honour before their weekend match.

Izquierdo’s career began in 2018, with stints at Cerro, Peñarol, and Montevideo Wanderers before joining Nacional.

He was a standout player for Liverpool FC, helping them secure a historic league title in 2023 before returning to Nacional this year.

Izquierdo’s death is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the risks athletes face, drawing comparisons to the tragic passing of Sao Caetano defender Serginho nearly two decades ago under similar circumstances.