The South American football community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, who suffered a fatal collapse on the field due to an irregular heartbeat during a Copa Libertadores match last week.
The 27-year-old had been receiving medical care since his incident during Nacional's encounter with Brazilian team Sao Paulo on August 22. Izquierdo lost consciousness in the 84th minute, unprovoked by any physical contact, and was swiftly transported off the field by ambulance and into the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital. The hospital confirmed his death, attributing it to brain death resulting from a cardiopulmonary arrest linked to cardiac arrhythmia.
Club Nacional expressed profound grief on X, stating, "It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo." They extended heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who cherished him, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the entire Nacional community.
The Uruguayan Football Association and other national bodies in Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia also shared their condolences with Izquierdo's family and friends, reflecting on the somber state of South American football.
Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, echoed the sentiment of mourning, while Ednaldo Rodrigues, head of the Brazilian Football Federation, announced a minute's silence in all federation-organized matches on Wednesday. Sao Paulo FC expressed deep sorrow, referring to it as a "sad day for football."
