The football community is reeling from the tragic news of Juan Izquierdo’s passing. On Monday, August 26, 2024, the 27-year-old Uruguayan defender succumbed to complications after suffering a cardiac arrest during a Copa Libertadores match. The incident occurred on August 22, during the round of 16 clash between Nacional de Montevideo and São Paulo at the Morumbí Stadium in Brazil. Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch, leading to a sequence of events that ended in heartbreak five days later at the Albert Einstein hospital in São Paulo.
Izquierdo, who had entered the game to play the second half, tragically fell unconscious just minutes before the match ended. After taking two unsteady steps backward, he collapsed, causing immediate concern among players and fans alike. The medical staff quickly rushed to his aid, providing initial treatment before he was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The São Paulo crowd, understanding the gravity of the situation, offered their support with a round of applause as he was carried off the field.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical reports indicated that Izquierdo was in cardiac arrest, believed to have been triggered by an arrhythmia. Doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation, successfully restoring his circulation. However, despite their best efforts, Izquierdo remained in a critical condition, dependent on mechanical ventilation, and with a worsening neurological state. An official report released on August 26 by the hospital detailed his grave situation, noting a significant increase in intracranial pressure, which further complicated his condition.
You can watch the last moment of Uruguayan Player Juan Izquierdo death https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/gFYYIZJ6
Nacional, his club, confirmed his death with a poignant message on their social media platforms. “With the deepest pain and impact in our hearts, the National Football Club communicates the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and relatives. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP Juan, you will be with us forever,” the statement read.
The news sent shockwaves through the football world, with condolences pouring in from clubs, players, and fans alike. Club Atlético Peñarol, where Izquierdo had previously played, also expressed their sorrow. “Club Atlético Peñarol deeply regrets the death of Juan Manuel Izquierdo, former player of our institution. We express our most heartfelt condolences and hug his family, his friends, and the National Football Club at this time of so much pain,” they stated.
Throughout Izquierdo’s time in the hospital, his family and Nacional’s management remained by his side, hoping for a miracle that, tragically, never came. The president of Nacional, Alejandro Balbi, was a constant presence, keeping in close contact with the player’s loved ones. Members of the São Paulo team, including Rafinha and Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri, also visited the hospital to offer their support. Calleri even offered to cover the hospitalization expenses, demonstrating the deep solidarity within the football community during such difficult times.
Izquierdo’s family, including his wife Selena, had been anxiously awaiting news, clinging to hope as they cared for their two young children, a two-year-old daughter, and an eight-day-old son. Selena had taken to social media, urging for prayers and support for her husband. “Juanma needs us, I know that he is very loved and we are all looking forward to this moment. At home, his two-year-old daughter and his 8-day-old son are waiting for him. He has a lot to live for. Please pray for him,” she wrote, just days before the devastating news broke.
The football community continued to show their support for Izquierdo even as he battled for his life. Luis Suárez, a former teammate at Nacional, dedicated Inter Miami’s victory in Major League Soccer to Izquierdo on August 24. After scoring two goals in the match against Cincinnati, Suárez lifted his shirt to reveal a message that read “Fuerza Juan,” showing his solidarity with his friend. Suárez, who shared a title-winning season with Izquierdo at Nacional, later took to social media to express his support, writing, “Fuerza Juan! We are all with you and your family.”
Juan Izquierdo’s career, though tragically cut short, was marked by dedication and passion. Standing at 1.84 meters tall, the central defender played in 139 matches, scoring seven goals, providing five assists, and receiving 36 yellow cards along with seven expulsions. He had been in his second stint with Nacional after previously playing for clubs such as Cerro, Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Liverpool of Uruguay, and San Luis in Mexico. In 2024 alone, Izquierdo had played 23 games, clocking 1801 minutes on the field and scoring his last goal on May 3 in a 4-2 victory against Racing of Uruguay.
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Juan Izquierdo’s death is a profound loss for his family, teammates, and the entire football community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, both on and off the pitch. As fans, players, and clubs mourn this tragic event, the legacy of his dedication to the sport he loved will remain a testament to his life.
