Uruguayan Soccer Star Juan Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing During Match

Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo, 27, died in a Brazilian hospital after collapsing during a game in Sao Paulo. He suffered cardiorespiratory arrest related to cardiac arrhythmia. His passing has deeply affected the soccer community, with condolences pouring in from various clubs and federations across South America.

Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo, aged 27, tragically passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Brazil, five days after collapsing during a game at Sao Paulo's Morumbi Stadium.

The Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo confirmed the Nacional defender died at 9:38 p.m. local time from cardiorespiratory arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia. Izquierdo had been rushed to the hospital after collapsing near the end of a Copa Libertadores match last Thursday. Nacional released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound grief over his untimely death, and South American soccer's governing body, CONMEBOL, also paid tribute. CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez expressed his sorrow, stating that "South American soccer is in mourning."

Monday's medical report indicated that Izquierdo had been in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure and had been on a ventilator since Sunday. His parents and Nacional officials were by his side at the hospital. Izquierdo leaves behind his wife and two children, the youngest born just this August. Out of respect, Uruguay's first- and second-division soccer leagues were postponed last weekend. Sao Paulo players showed their support by wearing shirts dedicated to Izquierdo during their game against Vitoria on Sunday.

Sao Paulo FC conveyed their 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's career began in 2018 with Cerro and saw him play for notable clubs like Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and more recently, Nacional. He was instrumental in Liverpool's first Uruguayan league title in over a century last year. This year, he returned to Nacional and was competing for a starting position.

(With inputs from agencies.)