In a shocking piece of news from Uruguay, soccer player Juan Izquierdo passed away on August 27, 2024, after collapsing in a game. Even though the team brought the Uruguayan football player to a hospital in Brazil and kept him there for 5 days, he was unable to recover after collapsing on the field in Sao Paulo. The Nacional defender tragically lost his life at 9:38 p.m., as stated by Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo local time. The player suffered from a “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia”, as per reports.

Tributes flowed in for the player whose untimely death has shocked the soccer fraternity. Uruguay soccer legend Luis Suarez also shared a story on Instagram as a tribute to the talented defender. He stated, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”

The medical officials took the soccer player to the hospital after collapsing on the pitch in a Copa Libertadores match on August 22nd. The soccer fans in the Sao Paulo Morumbi Stadium were in disbelief at the following events. In a club statement by the Uruguayan club, Nacional, the club stated how the player’s death felt “deep pain and impact in our hearts. All Nacional is in grief for his irreplaceable loss.”

Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, along with other South American soccer federations, also conveyed their condolences upon hearing the shocking news. Likewise, fans and other soccer players shared their tributes for the player who lost his life on social media.

Luis Suarez and other soccer fans pour in tributes for Juan Izquierdo

Several Uruguayan players came onto their social media handles to offer their respects. Real Madrid’s Uruguayan box-to-box midfielder, Federico Valverde, also shared an Instagram story for the Izquierdo. He captioned it, “There are no words. Much strength to the family. RIP Juan 🙏🏼.” Valverde’s club Real Madrid, took to social media to offer their respects.

In the club’s official statement, Real Madrid paid their respects to the player.

The medical officials admitted the player into neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure. Put on a ventilator since Sunday, the chances of recovery were slim. According to various Uruguayan media outlets, Izquierdo’s parents and Nacional’s soccer executives were ever-present at the hospital. Yet the doctors couldn’t bring him back to life after all their efforts. Likewise, the player was married and had two children – the youngest, born earlier in August.

One user stated on X, “This is so sad, RIP.” Notably, the soccer federations suspended all Uruguayan first and second-division soccer matches because of concerns over the player’s health. It’s natural for the soccer federations to postpone these matches. The display of unity within the soccer community was uplifting. To show their support, the Sao Paulo players wore a special shirt during one of their matches. The Brazilian club also shared a social media post to offer last respects.

The player’s journey to the top had its fair share of challenges. Like most players, it all started in 2018 when he joined his local club, Cerro, to play professionally. Later, he joined Penarol but failed to progress in his career. Later, he moved to Montevideo Wanderers. From there, he caught the attention of a Mexican team and the player later transferred himself to various clubs.

Yet, he finally had his calling card at Liverpool (Montevideo) where he appeared in 31 matches and scored 3 goals. During that campaign, the defender won the league title for his club, putting his name on the country’s map. Later, he returned to his former club, Nacional, to play for their colors again.

In a club statement, Nacional mentioned, “It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever.”

The player finally looked like making the Uruguayan national team, playing alongside iconic defender Sebastian Coates in Nacional. Sadly, those dreams won’t come true. Thousand of fans wept after his passing and the tributes poured in social media accounts. Meanwhile, Valverde’s teammate, Rodrygo, mentioned, “A very sad moment in football. I wish Juan Izquierdo’s family, friends and teammates much strength. May God bless them all… my deepest condolences!”

It’s disappointing news for everyone involved. Rest in Peace, Juan Izquierdo.