Tragically, 27-year-old football defender Juan Izquierdo passed away.
During a match in the South American Copa Libertadores, Juan Izquierdo suffered a collision and was unconsciously transported to a hospital. Regrettably, medical professionals were unable to save the 27-year-old. His team has now publicly declared his demise.
A few evenings post this unfortunate incident during a Copa Libertadores contest in Brazil, Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo succumbed to cardiac arrest. As reported by his club Nacional, the treating physicians at Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo's metropolitan area diagnosed this as the cause of death.
Izquierdo, a central defender, tripped and tumbled off the field in the 84th minute of the return leg against São Paulo FC last Thursday. He then fell unconscious and required transportation from the field in an ambulance. The hospital later confirmed a diagnosis of arrhythmia.
"Football is mourning"
Nacional described Izquierdo's departure as an "irreplaceable loss." They further added, "Juan, you'll forever be in our hearts." The sentiment was shared by São Paulo FC as well, deeming it a tragic day for football. Alejandro Domínguez, president of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), also extended his condolences to Izquierdo's family and team. "Football is mourning."
Izquierdo's professional journey in football began with the initial league appearance for Atlético Cerro in 2018. He played for Nacional with a brief interlude between 2022, during which he showcased his skills in 33 games and scored two goals.
His loved ones, wife Selene and their two children, will continue his legacy. The second child had been born just a few days prior to Izquierdo's collapse as per Alejandro Balbi, the president of Nacional. São Paulo clinched victory in the game last Thursday by a 2:0 score, thereby progressing to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. The South American tournament holds a similar stature to the Champions League in Europe.
Following the devastating turn of events, numerous records were updated to reflect Juan Izquierdo's passing. Sadly, the number of deaths in football this year has reached an alarming figure.
With the sorrowful announcement of Izquierdo's demise, the football world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in fatalities amidst its players.
