Who was the Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo who died after collapsing during a match?

In a tragic incident, a Uruguayan footballer named Juan Izquierdo died after collapsing on the pitch. The incident happened on 27 August 2024 during a Copa Libertadores match in São Paulo, Brazil. He was only 27 years old at that time. The Club Nacional de Football defender passed out in the 84th minute of the match against São Paulo FC on August 22. He was treated on the pitch and at Hospital Albert Einstein, where he was put under intensive care for 5 days before dying from a cardiac arrest due to an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia .
Cause of death and medical details revealedIzquierdo's collapse was believed to be caused by a heart arrhythmia, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. Doctors eventually concluded that a virus had traveled to his heart, producing the arrhythmia related to over-exertion in the game, his mother, Sandra Viana, would later disclose. Izquierdo had never had a diagnosed heart problem before, and had only been complaining of swollen lymph nodes.

Footballer Juan Izquierdo has sadly passed away after collapsing on the pitch, aged 27 ❤️ 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/eyc3diW7nK

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) August 28, 2024

Despite the ongoing play, a defibrillator was brought onto the pitch, he was ventilated, and he required neurologic critical care for treatment of raised intracranial pressure.
Tributes and legacy of the Uruguayan footballerThe premature passing of Izquierdo shocked the footballing world. His club, Nacional, released a statement of profound sorrow, saying "All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.” Brazilian side Sao Paulo were also among those to pay tribute, describing it as a "sad day for football". Big names in football, such as former Uruguay striker Diego Forlán and countryman Luis Suárez, offered their condolences, a reflection of the profound effect the tragedy has had. Domestic football league matches in Uruguay were postponed as a tribute to Izquierdo, while a minute's silence was also held in some stadiums.

Official Announcement: Passing away of Juan Izquierdo.#RealMadrid

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) August 28, 2024

Izquierdo started playing professionally from the year 2018 when he represented Cerro. After going through the youth setup at the club, he would then go on to represent Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Atlético San Luis in Mexico, and Liverpool Montevideo. He was a member of the Liverpool team that won the 2023 Uruguayan league title, the club's first in over 100 years. He returned to Nacional in 2024, after a period of adaptation in the club in 2022. It is a commitment to the game and respect from teammates and supporters that is his legacy.

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