Juan Izquierdo, defender for Nacional de Montevideo, dies

South American football is in mourning after the death of Juan Izquierdo, a 27-year-old defender for Club Nacional de Montevideo, who lost his life after suffering cardiac arrhythmia during a match for the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores between San Pablo and Nacional. The young player collapsed in the middle of the match, which led to his hospitalization in the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, located near the Morumbí stadium, where the match was taking place.

Izquierdo was admitted to the intensive care unit on Thursday, August 22, after suffering cardiac arrest due to the arrhythmia. Initially, his condition was stable, under medical observation and on mechanical ventilation. However, as the days went by, his condition deteriorated significantly due to a "progression of brain involvement and an increase in intracranial pressure," according to medical reports.

Despite medical efforts, Izquierdo was unable to recover and died five days after his hospitalization. The news of his death generated a wave of solidarity in the world of football. Players and teams from different parts of the continent expressed their support for the family and the club.

The rival team, San Pablo, prayed for Izquierdo during their training session and their players visited the hospital to offer their support. In addition, during their next match, they came out onto the field wearing shirts that bore the legend "Fuerza Juan."

Luis Suárez, Inter Miami striker, also showed his solidarity by dedicating a goal to Izquierdo and showing a shirt with the same message of support. Izquierdo's wife, Selena, arrived in Brazil with their newborn daughter and eldest daughter, sharing an emotional message on her social media.

Club Nacional de Football was the first to confirm the tragic news through a statement on its social media, accompanied by a black and white photo of the player.