SOCCER
Juan Izquierdo dies at 27: cause of death of Uruguay soccer star
Uruguayan club Nacional confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday night following days of concern and uncertainty.
Juan Izquierdo passed away on Tuesday night at the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he had been hospitalized since last Thursday after collapsing during a match with Nacional in Morumbi, during the Copa Libertadores round of 16. The Uruguayan club confirmed the tragic news after the 27-year-old player’s condition worsened over the past few days.
Juan Izquierdo dies days after collapse during game
Izquierdo suffered a collapse during play against São Paulo due to a cardiac arrhythmia. Although he received immediate treatment, first at the Morumbi clinic and then at the hospital, it ultimately led to his death. Initially, medical professionals were able to stabilize the footballer, but in the final hours, he was dependent on mechanical ventilation and had developed a severe neurological condition.
After Izquierdo’s hospitalization, it was revealed that at the age of 17, he was diagnosed with a minor cardiac arrhythmia, which did not prevent him from becoming a professional and enjoying a career in the elite of South American football.
In recent hours, the player’s entire family had traveled to São Paulo to be with him, along with the Nacional delegation and several rival players who were also by his side. Messages of condolence have poured in from various clubs, official entities, and fellow professionals. It has been a tragic day in the football world with the passing of a defender who spent his entire career in clubs in his native Uruguay, with the exception of a brief stint in Mexico.
Luis Suárez says farewell to Izquierdo
Luis Suárez, one of the most important Uruguayan players in history, took the opportunity to bid farewell to Juan Izquierdo with a heartfelt message. The Inter Miami forward, who crossed paths with Izquierdo in the second half of 2022, wrote on his social media: “Pain, sadness, hard to explain. Rest in peace, and much strength to your family and friends.”
Just this past weekend, Suárez scored a brace for Las Garzas, and during one of his celebrations, he revealed a shirt showing support for Izquierdo.