Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Match

Juan Izquierdo, a Uruguayan professional soccer player, passed away at the age of 27 on Tuesday after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match in Brazil.

Juan Izquierdo, a Uruguayan soccer player who played for Nacional, tragically passed away on Tuesday, days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match in Brazil. He was 27 years old.

According to officials, Izquierdo died at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo following "cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia."

Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Match

Doctors had previously announced that Izquierdo had been placed in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure and had been on a ventilator since Sunday.

The tragic incident occurred last Thursday during Nacional's match against Sao Paulo.

Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dies at 27 After Collapsing During Match

Izquierdo's wife, Selena, shared a heartfelt message on her husband's social media channels, expressing her grief and loss. "For many, Juan Izquierdo, my Juanma, my best friend, my husband, the father of my children, my unconditional partner. Today a part of me dies with you," she wrote.

Izquierdo's teammate, Mateo Antoni, paid tribute to him as a mentor and a close friend. "I can't describe how great you were with me," Antoni wrote in a letter. "What remains with me for all my life is that I know that I will always watch your back because I know you will be watching mine."

Izquierdo began his professional career with Cerro in the Uruguayan Primera Division but later played for several clubs in the league, including Penarol, Wanderers, Nacional, and Liverpool. He also had a brief stint with Atletico in Liga MX in Mexico.

After 27 matches with Liverpool, Izquierdo returned to Nacional in 2024 and played a vital role in helping the team secure the Uruguayan league title in 2023. He started 13 of the 14 games he appeared in.

Juan Izquierdo's untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the soccer community and beyond. His talent, passion, and dedication to the sport will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.