Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Dead at 27 After Collapsing on the Field

The sports community is mourning the loss of a star.

Juan Izquierdo, who played center-back for Uruguay’s Club Nacional de Football, died Aug. 27 following a cardiopulmonary arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia, five days after collapsing on the field during a game against Sao Paulo Football Club, his team confirmed. He was 27.

“It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” Nacional wrote on X in Spanish Aug. 27 via translation. “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.”

During the Aug. 22 match, which took place in the Brazilian capital, Juan was seen on camera falling on the field with a teammate quickly coming by his side. Paramedics quickly drove over as Nacional and Sao Paulo team members surrounded the player.

The same day, his football club shared a statement from Albert Einstein Hospital that Juan had suffered an irregular heartbeat during the match and that he was being treated in the ICU. Initially, he was stable and would be under observation for 72 hours before being released. 

But by Aug. 24, the hospital confirmed that he was sedated and on mechanical ventilation. A day later, the hospital shared that the athlete was experiencing a build-up of pressure on the brain and was still dependent on a ventilator.

The Sao Paulo Football Club also shared their condolences following Juan’s passing. “We live days of prayers, unity and hope, and today we are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Juan Izquierdo,” the team wrote on X Aug. 27. “Our condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, Nacional fans and all the Uruguayan people at this time of grief. A sad day for football.”

Additionally, Juan’s current and former teammates expressed their grief for his unexpected passing. 

“Thank you for having been a great companion,” Gonzalo Carneiro wrote in Spanish on his Instagram Stories alongside a photo with his teammate. “You are and you were forever an important pillar for this group.”

“There are no more words from me for so much pain at this moment,” he continued. “I just want you to know that we are going to miss you very much. May GOD have you in glory and protect your family from heaven.”

Meanwhile, Christian Osinachi Ebre reflected on his Instagram Stories, “What a great friend you are. I can't believe that you're not there anymore. You will always be in my heart, brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace.”

Juan’s former teammate and current Inter Miami player Luis Suarez also shared a tribute on his Instagram Stories. “The pain, sadness, it is hard to explain,” he wrote in Spanish via translation. “May you rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for your family and friends.”