Juan Izquierdo, a 27-year-old defender for the Uruguayan club Nacional, passed away on Tuesday following a medical emergency that occurred during a match last week. The club announced the tragic news of his death.
Izquierdo had collapsed on the field during a Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo in Brazil on Aug. 22. The incident was attributed to an irregular heartbeat, and he had been receiving medical care since then.
"It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," Nacional wrote 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."
Dominguez, the head of CONMEBOL, the governing body for soccer in South America, expressed his sympathies to the loved ones and acquaintances of Izquierdo during this difficult time.
"South American football is in mourning," he added.
Sao Paulo expressed their profound grief upon learning of the tragic incident, describing it as a "sad day for football".
During the 84th minute of the game at Morumbi stadium, Izquierdo collapsed on the field and lost consciousness without any physical contact with another player.
The player was swiftly removed from the pitch by an ambulance and subsequently received medical attention in the intensive care unit at Albert Einstein Hospital.
