Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away in a Brazilian hospital, just five days after he collapsed during a match. He was only 27 years old.
The Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo confirmed that the Nacional defender succumbed to “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” at 9:38 p.m. local time.
Izquierdo’s collapse occurred during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium. The incident has sent shockwaves through the soccer community.
The Uruguayan air force announced that it would transport his coffin back to Montevideo later on Wednesday, marking a somber return home.
In a heartfelt farewell, Izquierdo’s wife, Selena, shared a poignant message on his social media accounts, expressing her deep love and sorrow. “Goodbye to my half, the love of my life,” she wrote, reflecting on their life together and their two young children, the youngest of whom was born just weeks ago.
Her emotional tribute continued, “For many, Juan Izquierdo, my Juanma, my best friend, my husband, the father of my children, my unconditional partner. Today a part of me dies with you.”
Mateo Antoni, a teammate, expressed his grief, noting how Izquierdo had been a guiding force in his life. “You helped, advised, mentored, demanded, insulted, hugged, and laughed with me,” he wrote, emphasizing the bond they shared.
The Uruguayan club Nacional released a statement mourning the loss, stating that Izquierdo’s death has left a significant void in their hearts. “All Nacional is in grief for his irreplaceable loss,” they declared.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez also extended condolences, noting that “South American soccer is in mourning” following Izquierdo’s untimely passing.
Earlier this week, doctors had placed Izquierdo in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure, and he had been on a ventilator since Sunday.
Players from the Uruguayan national team have also shared their condolences. Luis Suárez, a prominent striker, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
In a show of solidarity, both Uruguay’s first and second-division leagues postponed matches last weekend out of respect for Izquierdo’s health. São Paulo players donned shirts in support of the Uruguayan footballer before their match against Vitoria.
The Brazilian club São Paulo also expressed its condolences, stating, “We had days of prayers, union, and hope, and today we are in deep sadness with the news of the death of Juan Izquierdo.”
Izquierdo began his professional career with Cerro in 2018 and later joined Peñarol, where he struggled for playing time. His journey continued with Montevideo Wanderers before catching the attention of San Luís in Mexico. However, he returned to the Wanderers and signed with Nacional in 2022.
He rejoined Nacional this year, competing for a starting position with veteran Sebastián Coates. Throughout the season, he played 23 matches and scored one goal, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Izquierdo’s tragic death echoes the loss of Serginho, a Sao Caetano defender who died in a similar manner almost two decades ago. His passing led to significant changes in health protocols across Brazilian soccer, including the mandatory presence of defibrillators in stadiums. Izquierdo received immediate medical attention, including the use of a defibrillator, as he was rushed to the hospital.
Former Sao Caetano player Anderson Lima reflected on the tragedy, noting the painful similarities. “Such sadness, 20 years later. May God comfort his family in this sad moment.”
