Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies Days After On-Field Collapse in Brazil

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Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo, 27, passed away on Tuesday in a Brazilian hospital, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo. The Nacional defender suffered a heart attack just before the end of the game on August 22 at Morumbi Stadium and was immediately rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo, where he was treated for "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia."

Despite the medical team’s efforts, Izquierdo’s condition worsened, and he was placed in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure. He remained on a ventilator until his passing.

Izquierdo’s death has deeply affected the soccer community. Nacional expressed their grief, stating his loss is felt with "deep pain and impact in our hearts." South American soccer’s governing body, CONMEBOL, and various soccer federations offered their condolences.

The tragedy led to the postponement of Uruguay’s soccer leagues last weekend. In a show of solidarity, São Paulo players wore shirts in support of Izquierdo during their match on Sunday.

Izquierdo began his professional career with Cerro in 2018, later playing for Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and Mexico’s San Luís before joining Nacional in 2022. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2023 Uruguayan league title campaign before returning to Nacional. Izquierdo is survived by his wife and two young children.