Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, a promising defender, tragically passed away on August 27, 2024, at a hospital in Brazil, five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match at Sao Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium. He was just 27 years old.
Izquierdo’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the football world. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began his professional career in 2018 with local club Cerro. After a brief stint at Peñarol, he moved to Montevideo Wanderers, where his athleticism and sharp tackles caught the attention of Mexico’s San Luís. However, he soon returned to Montevideo Wanderers.
In 2022, Izquierdo joined Nacional, one of Uruguay’s most prestigious clubs. He played one match before being transferred to Liverpool, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s first league title in over a century. This season, he returned to Nacional and was vying for a starting position with veteran defender Sebastián Coates.
On August 22, tragedy struck during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo. Izquierdo collapsed late in the game, and despite immediate medical attention, he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Doctors at Hospital Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo confirmed his death at 9:38 p.m. local time, citing “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”
Izquierdo’s death has left a profound impact on the football community. Nacional expressed their “deep pain and impact in our hearts,” while the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, mourned the “early departure of Juan Izquierdo.” Other federations, including Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, also extended their condolences.
Izquierdo’s passing has also raised concerns about the health and safety of footballers. Almost two decades ago, Sao Caetano defender Serginho died hours after collapsing at Morumbi Stadium during a Brazilian league match. His death prompted Brazilian football executives to implement new health protocols, including the mandatory presence of defibrillators in every stadium.
Juan Izquierdo’s legacy will live on as a talented footballer and a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player health and safety. His untimely demise has left a void in the football world, and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and fans.
