Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo, a 27-year-old defender for Nacional, passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match. Izquierdo’s tragic death has left the soccer community in mourning, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across South America.

Sudden Collapse During the Game

Izquierdo collapsed shortly before full-time during a match between Nacional and Brazil’s São Paulo at the Morumbi Stadium on August 22. The player was immediately rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein, where he was treated for cardiorespiratory arrest related to cardiac arrhythmia. Despite the medical efforts, he succumbed to his condition on Tuesday night.

In a statement, the hospital confirmed his passing at 9:38 p.m. local time, expressing deep condolences to his family and teammates.

Nacional and CONMEBOL’s Response

The death of Izquierdo has deeply affected his club, Nacional, which posted a tribute on social media. “Juan’s death has left an irreplaceable void in our hearts,” the club wrote, noting that the entire Nacional community is in mourning.

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, also issued a statement through its president, Alejandro Domínguez, expressing profound sorrow. “South American soccer is in mourning,” Domínguez said, adding that Izquierdo’s early departure is a tremendous loss.

Medical Updates and Family’s Presence

Izquierdo was placed in neurological critical care after being admitted to the hospital, with doctors stating that he was suffering from intracranial pressure. He had been on a ventilator since Sunday, fighting for his life. His parents and Nacional executives had traveled to São Paulo to be by his side.

Izquierdo leaves behind a wife and two children, the youngest of whom was born just earlier in August.

Tributes from the Soccer World

The outpouring of grief has been widespread across South America. Sao Paulo’s team expressed their condolences after the match, sharing that they had been united in prayers and hope for Izquierdo’s recovery. “We are deeply saddened by the news of his death. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the Uruguayan people,” São Paulo’s statement read.

Uruguayan soccer federations, as well as those from Brazil and Argentina, also shared messages of sympathy, highlighting the loss felt across the region.

Uruguay’s Soccer Community in Mourning

Following Izquierdo’s collapse, both the first- and second-division soccer leagues in Uruguay were postponed last weekend as a mark of respect for the player and in recognition of concerns for his health. São Paulo players even wore shirts in support of Izquierdo before their match against Vitoria on Sunday, which they won 2-1.

Izquierdo’s former clubs also paid tribute. Peñarol, a club he joined in 2019, shared their sorrow on social media: “We express our heartfelt condolences and embrace his family and friends during this painful time.”

A Promising Career Cut Short

Juan Izquierdo began his professional career in 2018 with local club Cerro before moving to Peñarol. Though his time there saw limited playing opportunities, he continued to develop as a strong defender, catching the attention of other teams. In 2021, he briefly joined San Luís in Mexico before returning to Montevideo Wanderers, where his performances earned him a move to Nacional in 2022.

After a brief stint with Liverpool Montevideo, where he helped lead the team to its first Uruguayan league title in over a century in 2023, Izquierdo returned to Nacional this year. He was vying for a starting spot alongside Sebastián Coates, a seasoned player for Uruguay’s national team. Izquierdo played 23 matches for Nacional this season, scoring one goal, and was seen as a key part of the team’s future.

A Lasting Legacy

Izquierdo’s death has sent shockwaves through the soccer community, not only for the loss of such a talented and dedicated player but for the suddenness with which it occurred. His contributions to Liverpool’s historic title win and his ongoing commitment to Nacional will be remembered as highlights of a career that, though tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on Uruguayan football.

As tributes continue to pour in, Juan Izquierdo will be honored not just for his athletic prowess but for the passion and dedication he brought to the game. His loss will be deeply felt across South America, with his legacy living on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.