Uruguayan Defender Juan Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing During Copa Libertadores Match

Izquierdo collapsed in the 84th minute of the game between Club Nacional and São Paulo on August 22, suffering from an irregular heartbeat.

The South American football community is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, who collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores game last week. Izquierdo, 27, was playing for Club Nacional against Brazilian side São Paulo on August 22 when he suffered an irregular heartbeat and fell to the ground unconscious in the 84th minute.

Despite immediate medical attention, Izquierdo was taken off the field in an ambulance and admitted to the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital. The hospital later confirmed that Izquierdo had passed away due to brain death caused by cardiopulmonary arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.

Also Read: Global Rewards for Olympic Champions: How Nations are Compensating Their Heroes

“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” the club wrote on X. “We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

The Uruguayan Football Association expressed profound grief over the news, with national football governing bodies from Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia also extending their condolences to Izquierdo’s family and friends.

“South American football is in mourning,” said Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body.

Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Federation, announced that a minute of silence would be observed in every match organized by the federation on Wednesday to honor Izquierdo’s memory.

São Paulo FC expressed their deep sadness over the loss, calling it a “sad day for football.” The tragic passing of Juan Izquierdo has left a significant void in South American football, with tributes pouring in from across the continent for the young defender.

Key Points

  1. Tragic Death: Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, aged 27, died after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match.
  2. Collapse During Match: Izquierdo collapsed in the 84th minute of the game between Club Nacional and São Paulo on August 22, suffering from an irregular heartbeat.
  3. Medical Response: He was taken off the pitch in an ambulance and treated at Albert Einstein Hospital, where he later died due to brain death caused by cardiopulmonary arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.
  4. Club Nacional’s Statement: Club Nacional expressed deep sorrow over Izquierdo’s passing, extending condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.
  5. South American Football Community’s Mourning: The Uruguayan Football Association and football governing bodies from Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia, along with CONMEBOL, expressed their grief.
  6. Tributes: The Brazilian Football Federation announced a minute of silence in all matches on Wednesday, and São Paulo FC called it a “sad day for football.”
  7. Impact on South American Football: Izquierdo’s death has left a significant impact on the South American football community, with widespread tributes and mourning.

4o

Recent News