Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has tragically passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match earlier this month due to an irregular heartbeat.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan suffered a cardiac arrest during Nacional’s game against São Paulo on August 22.
He had been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where his condition was initially described as ‘stable.’
Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated in recent days, leading to his passing.
“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” his Uruguayan side posted on X.
“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
On hearing the news, a spokesperson for Brazilian side Sao Paulo said it was a “sad day for football”.
Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez said: “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
Fifa president Gianni Infantino added: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo.
“On behalf of Fifa and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”
Izquierdo was put on a ventilator on Sunday and had been under neurological care since Monday.
The defender, who came on as a substitute at half-time for former Liverpool player Sebastian Coates during his team’s match against São Paulo, collapsed in the 84th minute without any contact with other players.
He received immediate medical attention on the field and was quickly taken to an intensive care unit.
In response to Izquierdo’s collapse, Uruguay’s first and second division leagues were postponed over the weekend.
According to the Spanish newspaper *El País*, Izquierdo’s wife recently gave birth to their second child just ten days ago. There were no known heart conditions in Izquierdo’s medical history before the incident.
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