Explainers

URUGUAYAN footballer, Juan Izquierdo, has tragically passed away at the age of 27 after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match.The defender, who was playing for Nacional in their last 16 tie against São Paulo, collapsed during the second leg at the Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on Thursday, August 22, 2024.Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has sadly passed awayWhat happened to Juan Izquierdo?Juan Izquierdo suffered a “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” in the 84th minute of the match.He was rushed to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he was placed on a ventilator and received neurological critical care.Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Izquierdo sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after fighting for his life for several days.Uruguay’s domestic leagues postponed their games at the weekend as a mark of respect, while São Paulo players paid tribute to Izquierdo during their Brazilian league win over Vitória on Sunday. The football community has also been left in mourning, with tributes pouring in from around the world.The footballer’s club, Nacional, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.”We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.”South American football chief Alejandro Dominguez expressed his condolences, saying: “South American football is in mourning.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile, São Paulo described it as a “sad day for football”.Former Manchester United striker and Uruguay icon Diego Forlán also paid tribute, he said: “How sad. My deepest condolences to his family.”Tributes from fans and clubs across South America followed, with Brazilian side Fluminense and numerous supporters expressing their grief and sending their condolences to Izquierdo’s loved ones.As the world mourns his loss, Nacional and the wider community remember Juan Izquierdo not just as a talented defender but as a beloved teammate, father, and husband.Born on July 4, 1997, he was just 27 when he died.He leaves behind a wife and two children.A heartfelt message from Nacional read: “RIP Juan, you will be with us forever.”What was Juan Izquierdo’s cause of death?On August 28, 2024, the hospital where Izquierdo passed away released a statement.It read: “The Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital regrets to announce the death of Mr. Juan Manuel Izquierdo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 27, at 9:38 PM (local time), as a result of brain death following a cardiac arrest associated with an arrhythmia.”However, further medical investigations may be conducted to determine if there were any underlying conditions that contributed to this tragic event. The coroner at Albert Einstein Hospital indicated that an autopsy could provide more clarity, but that the decision lies with Izquierdo’s family, as well as CONMEBOL, or Brazilian authorities.Izquierdo’s death is a painful reminder of the health risks faced by athletes, with cardiac-related incidents occurring sporadically in sports. Such occurrences, while rare, have been noted to increase since the global pandemic, raising concerns about athlete health and well-being.READ MORE SUN STORIESIzquierdo spent almost all of his club career in Uruguay, playing for teams including Peñarol, Montevideo Warriors, and Montevideo side Liverpool FC.He had a brief spell with Mexican side Atlético San Luis in 2021 before returning to his homeland, where he was in his second stint with Nacional. More