Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Brazil, five days after collapsing during a match in São Paulo. He was 27 years old.
The Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo confirmed that Izquierdo died at 9:38 p.m. local time due to “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.” He was admitted to the hospital after fainting during a Copa Libertadores match at Morumbi Stadium last Thursday.
His club, Nacional, expressed their profound sorrow on social media, stating that Izquierdo’s death has left a significant impact and that the entire team is mourning his loss. South America’s governing soccer body also paid tribute, with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez expressing his deep regret over Izquierdo’s passing, stating that “South American soccer is in mourning.” Various soccer federations, including those from Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, extended their condolences.
Earlier this week, the hospital announced that Izquierdo had been placed in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure and had been on a ventilator since Sunday. Uruguayan media reported that Izquierdo’s parents and Nacional executives were by his side at the hospital. He married recently and had two children, the youngest of whom was born in August.
Fellow Uruguayan national team players shared their sympathies, with Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez saying, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
Last weekend, the first- and second-division leagues in Uruguay were postponed due to concerns for Izquierdo’s health. Players from São Paulo FC wore shirts supporting him prior to their 2-1 victory against Vitória in the Brazilian league on Sunday. In a statement after Izquierdo’s death, São Paulo FC conveyed their deep sadness and offered condolences to all affected.
Izquierdo began his professional career in 2018 with Cerro, then moved to Peñarol in 2019 but had limited appearances. After leaving Peñarol, he joined Montevideo Wanderers, where his performances caught the attention of Mexico’s San Luís in 2021, although he soon returned to Montevideo. In 2022, he moved to Nacional, played one match, and subsequently transferred to Liverpool, where he was instrumental in winning the Uruguayan league title in 2023.
Izquierdo returned to Nacional this year, competing for a starting spot alongside veteran Sebastián Coates. He played 23 matches this season and scored once.
This incident recalls the tragic death of Serginho, a defender from São Caetano, who died after collapsing during a match at Morumbi Stadium nearly two decades ago. His death led to changes in health protocols for Brazilian soccer, mandating the presence of defibrillators at stadiums. Defibrillation was also administered to Izquierdo as he was transported to the hospital.
Former São Caetano player Anderson Lima reflected on the tragedy, saying, “Such sadness, 20 years later. May God comfort his family in this sad moment.”