A footballer has passed away after collapsing during Nacionals game against Sao Paulo on August 22, 2024.
27-year-old Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match due to an irregular heartbeat and his condition worsened in the following days.
Juan experienced a cardiac arrest after collapsing during Nacionals game against Sao Paulo late this month. At the time of his death, the Uruguayan athlete was under treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.
Nacional had said Juan was in stable condition but his health deteriorated afterwards. He was placed on a ventilator on August 25, 2024, and had been under neurological care since August 26, 2024.
Juan Izquierdo playing during Nacionals game against Sao Paulo, from a YouTube video, dated August 23, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@eltrece
In the match he collapsed in, the defender was a half-time substitute for former Liverpool player Sebastián Coates. Juan collapsed in the 84th minute without any contact with another player.
However, he received immediate medical attention on the field and was quickly taken to an intensive care unit, only to succumb a few days later. Surprisingly, before this incident, Juan had no known history of heart issues.
Juan Izquierdo collapses during Nacionals game against Sao Paulo, from a YouTube video, dated August 23, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@eltrece
A heartbroken and shocked Club Nacional announced the death of their beloved player on X on August 28, 2024. They also wrote, “We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”
A woman pays tribute to late Uruguays Nacional football player Juan Manuel Izquierdo at the clubs headquarters in Montevideo, on August 28, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
As per media reports, Juans wife, Selena, gave birth to the couples second child just over ten days ago. Their firstborn, a daughter, is only two-and-a-half years old. The footballer cherished his wife and always celebrated his goals thinking about her and their kids.
He once gushed, “There were days when I would come home really sad, but luckily, I have a woman who is worth her weight in gold and who helped me see the positive side of things. Her support was crucial.”
Selena wrote a heartbreaking letter, saying the day her husband died, a part of him left her. She penned, “Today I had to say goodbye to my other half, the love of my life. To many, Juan Izquierdo. To me, Juanma, my best friend, my husband, the father of my children, my unconditional support.”
Selena shared that she must now find strength for their children and carry on despite the overwhelming grief. She acknowledged that her husband fought until the end.
The mom of two also noted that his absence will be deeply felt with every step she takes and that she will miss him for the rest of her life. “You left so much life to live, so much path to walk, my Juanma,” added Selena.
Selena expressed gratitude to everyone who thought of him and offered support. She mentioned that today, Juanma watches over her and their children from above. “I will love you all my life, my warrior. This time, we faced a loss,” she wrote.
Juan Manuel Izquierdo fights for the ball during the Copa Libertadores football match between Uruguays Nacional and Bolivias Always Ready in Montevideo, on March 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans and friend of Juan have sent their condolences to his family and loved ones. A spokesperson for the Brazilian team São Paulo noted that it was a deeply sad day for football upon hearing the news.
Juan Manuel Izquierdo (L) fights for the ball with Alan Rodriguez during the Copa Libertadores match between Argentinas Argentinos Juniors and Uruguays Liverpool in Buenos Aires, on June 7, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed deep sadness upon hearing of the tragic passing of the footballer. He said, “On behalf of Fifa and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”
Juan Manuel Izquierdo fights for the ball during the Copa Libertadores football match between Uruguays Nacional and Bolivias Always Ready in Montevideo, on March 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez voiced his deep sorrow, describing the pain and sadness as difficult to put into words. He wished Juan peace and offered strength to his family and friends during this difficult time.
