By Victor Kanayo
A Uruguayan footballer, Juan Izquierdo, reportedly slumped inside a football pitch and later died.
According to The Guardian, the 27-year-old player passed away unexpectedly after suffering a heart arrest on August 22 during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo.
His club, Nacional, disclosed this via X, while condoling his family and loved ones.
“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.
“We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss,” the statement reads.
Izquierdo collapsed during the 84th minute of the match and was immediately transported to Hospital Albert Einstein.
The hospital later confirmed he suffered “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”
Despite medical efforts, including being placed on a ventilator, Izquierdo’s condition worsened.
São Paulo players showed their solidarity by wearing shirts honouring Izquierdo, and the Uruguayan football leagues postponed matches in response to the incident.
