Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo dies days after collapsing during game in Brazil

Uruguayan media reported that Izquierdo’s family and Nacional executives were present at the hospital. Izquierdo, who was married and had two children, with his youngest born earlier this month, was mourned by his peers. Inter Miami striker Luis Suárez described the situation as “painful” and “hard to explain,” sending his condolences to Izquierdo’s family.

In solidarity, Uruguay’s first- and second-division leagues were postponed over the weekend, and Sao Paulo players wore shirts in support of Izquierdo before their 2-1 win against Vitoria on Sunday. The Brazilian club expressed their deep sadness over Izquierdo’s death and offered their condolences to his family, friends, teammates, Nacional fans, and the Uruguayan community.

Izquierdo began his professional career in 2018 with Cerro and had stints with Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and San Luís in Mexico before returning to Nacional in 2022. He played a significant role in Liverpool’s Uruguayan league title win in 2023. This year, he was competing for a starting position with Nacional, having appeared in 23 matches and scored one goal.

The tragic event echoes a similar incident from two decades ago when Sao Caetano defender Serginho collapsed at Morumbi Stadium. His death led to significant changes in health protocols in Brazilian soccer, including the mandate for defibrillators at all stadiums. A defibrillator was used on Izquierdo as he was transported to the hospital.

Former Sao Caetano player Anderson Lima reflected on Instagram, “Such sadness, 20 years later. May God comfort his family in this sad moment.”