He had suffered a serious medical emergency during an early September Copa Libertadores fixture and died on August 27, aged just 27. That saddening announcement has rocked the football world, with those close family members and fans alike reeling to learn of a life snuffed out before its time.
A Heartbreaking Incident
He tragically passed away on the pitch on August 22, 2024, inhttps://news.gurualpha.com/controversial-features-that-led-to-telegrams-popularity/ a highly important Copa Libertadores match for Nacional against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium of Sao Paulo (Brazil). Substitute: Izquierdo, who had come on for Sebastián Coates at halftime, feinted the pitch eight minutes from time. The defender collapsed and was not touched by any other player at the time.
Emergency medical crews quickly responded, and he was taken to the Hospital Albert Einstein immediately. Izquierdo was treated on the field by medical staff and admitted to intensive care, but his condition later worsened. The patient was intubated, and neurocritical care measures were initiated for elevated intracranial pressure. Five days later, on August 27th, after nearly a week of fighting in the hospital, Izquierdo died from cardiac arrest brought about by arrhythmia.
Outpouring of Condolences
Izquierdo’s death has had reverberations wider throughout the footballing world. His home side, Club Nacional, posted a statement on social media expressing its “enormous grief.” Club Nacional () April 30, 2021 【Una noticia que nos llega al alma: el fallecimiento de nuestro querido jugador Juan Izquierdo. They offered heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and teammates before stating, ‘Today the whole club is in mourning for our irreplaceable loss.
One of the young player’s former clubs, Sao Paulo FC, also paid tribute, saying it was a “sad day for football. Inter Miami forward Luis Suárez, a teammate of Izquierdo’s with the MLS side, said: “Pain, sadness words could hardly describe. May he rest in peace. My heart breaks for him, and I wish his family and friends a lot of strength ~
The South American soccer community, including CONMEBOL—tthe sport’s governing body on the continent—aalso offered condolences. South American football was in mourning as well, CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez said of Izquierdo’s death.
A Rising Star
Izquierdo started his professional football career in 2018 with local club Cerro.
Izquierdo later made a move to Nacional in 2022 for some time before he was bought out by Liverpool, another club of Uruguay. They led to him spearheading Liverpool’s Uruguayan league title-winning campaign in 2023—the Reds’ first for over a century.
Izquierdo returned to Nacional earlier this year, where he was fighting for a starting spot next to veteran Sebastián Coates. During the season, he made 23 appearances, one of which was a goal, and managed to demonstrate his very professional approach both in defence as well as scoring important goals for someone who was placed on wingback.
Response to the Football Community
Izquierdo’s death has prompted soul-searching about the perils of professional sports. The incident brought back grim memories of nearly 20 years ago when São Caetano’s Serginho died in a game at the Morumbi. Serginho’s passing led to an overhaul of health protocols in Brazilian football, including the need for having defibrillators at all grounds.
Regardless of technology, the tragedy surrounding Izquierdo’s death is a reminder that such medical emergencies can occur at any timeous a shame 20 years later,” Lima wrote. Dios apagoge Fuego’s end familiars [Fire assist God to the Jackie family.].
A Legacy Remembered
It is a loss to all who knew Juan Izquierdo, and even many of us who had never met him. His career, albeit short-lived, rang the bell of brilliance and commitment. From local clubs to a key national player, he proved his dedication and quality.
The football world grieves for the loss of a player taken way too soon, and one can only hope that there is enough strength in his family right now to help everyone cope with this enormous hole left. The tributes and messages of condolence that have flooded in from all four corners of the world are a stark reminder of just how much respect Izquierdo commanded.
As we remember Juan Izquierdo, we should be recognising the dedication of this man to not only the sport itself but also his love and passion for it. His memory will forever ring in the minds of fans and his fellow footballers, another uncomfortable reminder that life is fleeting as our love for beautiful games stands eternal.
And while footballers, clubs, and fans across South America and beyond unite in sorrow this terrible week, the lasting legacy of Juan Izquierdo is bound to be exactly that: a future generation inspired. All people are reminded again how deeply we are connected by the sport.
