Juan Izquierdo, a 27-year-old footballer for Club Nacional, passed away after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match. He suffered cardiac arrythmia and was hospitalized but tragically did not survive. Tributes pour in from the football community, with notable expressions of condolence from Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez.
Juan Izquierdo, a Uruguayan footballer and defender for Club Nacional, tragically passed away at 27 years old after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match in Brazil. His club announced the sad news on August 27, expressing heartfelt condolences to Izquierdo’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones, stating, “All of Nacional is mourning for his irreparable loss. Rest in peace. Juan, you will always be with us.”
Izquierdo’s collapse occurred on August 22 during a match against Sao Paulo. Despite receiving immediate medical attention on the pitch, he was transported to a hospital where he was placed in intensive care. Doctors diagnosed him with cardiac arrythmia, which requires specialized neurological monitoring post-event.
Throughout his career, Juan Izquierdo played for six clubs, achieving notable success as a two-time national champion with Nacional and Liverpool FC Montevideo. His journey also included a brief stint in Mexico with San Luis before he returned to Uruguay in 2021.
The football community is mourning his loss with an outpouring of tributes. Former Uruguayan striker Diego Forlán shared his condolences on X, saying, “How sad. My most sincere condolences for his family.” Similarly, Luis Suárez expressed his grief on Instagram, stating, “Pain, sadness, difficult to explain. May he rest in peace and sending strength to his family and friends.”
The sudden collapse and subsequent death of Juan Izquierdo underscore the health risks athletes may face while competing at high levels. Cardiac events in young athletes are rare but tragic, highlighting the importance of immediate medical attention and the presence of emergency care during sporting events. The response from the football community illustrates the deep bonds formed within sports teams and the collective grief felt across the sport.
Juan Izquierdo’s untimely death at a young age reminds us of the fragility of life and the close-knit relationships fostered in professional sports. The condolences and tributes from his peers reflect not only the loss of a talented footballer but also of a beloved friend and teammate. His legacy will undoubtedlypersist among those who knew him.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
