The 27-year-old Uruguayan footballer suffered a cardiac arrest during Nacional’s match against Sao Paulo on August 22.
Izquierdo, who had been receiving treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, initially was reported to be in stable condition by his club. However, his health deteriorated significantly in recent days.
“It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” the club posted on X, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. The club declared itself in mourning over this irreparable loss.
Upon hearing the devastating news, a spokesperson for Sao Paulo, the Brazilian side, described it as a “sad day for football.” Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez also shared his grief, stating, “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”
Izquierdo had been placed on a ventilator on Sunday and was under neurological care since Monday.
He collapsed in the 84th minute of the match, after being brought on as a half-time substitute, without any contact with other players. He received immediate medical attention in the field and was quickly transferred to an intensive care unit.
Uruguay’s football authorities postponed all first and second-division league matches over the weekend following Izquierdo’s collapse.
According to reports, Izquierdo’s wife had given birth to their second child just ten days before his collapse. Before this incident, Izquierdo had no known heart conditions.