Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo died at 27 after collapsing on field

The 27-year-old Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo died after collapsing on the field last week after experiencing an abnormal heartbeat. The deceased footballer’s club Nacional confirmed the news of his death.

Juan Izqierodo had been getting medical treatment since his collapse during the second leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against Sao Paulo at Morumbi Stadium, Brazil. Leg is a match that happens within a tie between two rival teams.

*Juan collapsed on the field on Aug 22, 2024*

The Club Nacional announced with deepest sorrow and shock that their beloved Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo died. It stated they send their deepest condolences to Juan’s loved ones, friends, colleagues, and family. Nacional is in deep grief about his irreversible loss.

Con el más profundo dolor e impacto en nuestros corazones, el Club Nacional de Football comunica el fallecimiento de nuestro querido jugador Juan Izquierdo.

Expresamos nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su familia, amigos, colegas y allegados.

Todo Nacional está de luto por… pic.twitter.com/mYU28mqw6m
— Nacional (@Nacional) August 28, 2024

The President of the South American football governing body, Alejandro Dominguez also expressed his condolences to the deceased family and friends. He stated, “The football community in South America is grieving.”

Lamento profundamente la temprana partida de Juan Izquierdo. El fútbol sudamericano está de luto.

Mis condolencias al Club Nacional de Uruguay y para todos sus seres queridos. QEPD. https://t.co/zxumGCfc0x
— Alejandro Domínguez (@agdws) August 28, 2024

Club Sao Paulo also expressed their deep sorrow over Juan’s death news. They called today a “sad day for football.” However, authorities rushed Juan to Hospital Albert Einstein after he collapsed on August 22, 2024.

Vivemos dias de orações, união e esperança, e hoje estamos em profunda tristeza com a notícia do falecimento de Juan Izquierdo, atleta do @Nacional.

Nossas condolências aos familiares, amigos, colegas de trabalho, torcedores do Nacional e a todo o povo uruguaio neste momento de… pic.twitter.com/DMC9aHAvmU
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) August 28, 2024

The hospital medical personnel stated Juan suffered cardiorespiratory arrest in addition to cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiorespiratory happens when the heart suddenly stops beating and breathing loss. However, cardiac arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat which is a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat.

Boletín médico del Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. pic.twitter.com/7R8ChnIo7h
— Nacional (@Nacional) August 27, 2024

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Hospital Albert Einstein doctors also said Juan was undergoing higher intracranial pressure. It is a medical condition where pressure builds up around the brain. It resulted in stress on the brain and other structures in the skull.

Hence, he has been receiving neurological critical care since August 26, 2024. He was on a ventilator for the past four days and unfortunately, he died today.

Juan made 111 appearances for clubs including Cerro, Penarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Liverpool, and Nacional. He won the league in 2022 and 2023 for the last two clubs.