Nacional Defender Juan Izquierdo Dies at Age 27 After On-Pitch Collapse

Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, aged 27, has passed away after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo on August 22. Nacional confirmed that their beloved defender suffered an irregular heartbeat during the game at Estadio do Morumbi, and had been receiving intensive care in a Sao Paulo hospital since the incident, NYT reported.

Nacional announced Izquierdo's death with deep sorrow: "It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that we announce 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 in mourning for this irreparable loss."

Izquierdo was a half-time substitute who collapsed in the 84th minute without any contact from other players. He received immediate medical attention on the pitch and was transported to Albert Einstein Hospital, where he was treated in the ICU under neurological care.

Following his collapse, the Uruguayan first and second-division leagues postponed their matches for the weekend as a mark of respect. Nacional and various figures in football, including Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, expressed their condolences. "A sad day for football," noted a Sao Paulo spokesperson.

Juan began his professional career with Cerro in Montevideo and had spells at Penarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Atletico San Luis, and Liverpool FC in Uruguay, before rejoining Nacional in January 2024.

"All of South American football is mourning," wrote Dominguez. Nacional paid tribute, saying, "Juan Manuel was a committed sportsman beloved by all his teammates and members. Juan, you will always be in our memory."

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