Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away at the age of 27, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo at Morumbi Stadium.
Izquierdo, who had replaced Sebastián Coates at halftime, fell unconscious in the 84th minute without any physical contact with another player.
Distressed players from both teams looked on as medical staff rushed to his aid before he was taken away in an ambulance.
He was treated at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, where he succumbed to cardiorespiratory arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.
Izquierdo leaves behind a wife and two young children, including a newborn son.
Club Nacional de Football expressed deep sorrow in a statement, mourning the loss of their beloved player and offering condolences to his family and loved ones.
Nacional issued a heartfelt statement: ‘It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever.’
Former Barcelona and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was among those who paid tribute, writing: ‘May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.’
In solidarity, Uruguay’s first and second division league matches have been postponed.
Before their 2-1 Brazilian league win against Vitória on Sunday, São Paulo’s players wore shirts in support of Izquierdo.
In a statement, São Paulo said, ‘We had days of prayers, union, and hope, and today we are in deep sadness with the news of the death of Juan Izquierdo. Our condolences to family, friends, teammates, Nacional fans, and all the Uruguayan people in this moment of grief.’
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
