Juan Izquierdo’s Tragic Death Raises Critical Safety Questions

The sudden death of 27-year-old Juan Izquierdo during a match has ignited fierce discussions about athlete health and safety.

At a Glance

Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo, 27, collapsed on the pitch due to an irregular heartbeat and has died.
He collapsed during Nacional’s Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo on Aug. 22.
Izquierdo fell unconscious in the 84th minute without contact with another player and was taken to Albert Einstein Hospital.
The hospital stated he died from brain death following cardiopulmonary arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia.
Nacional expressed deep sorrow and condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

Tragic Incident on the Field

Juan Izquierdo, a defender for Nacional, tragically collapsed during a Copa Libertadores game against Sao Paulo on August 22. The 27-year-old fell unconscious in the 84th minute without any contact from another player. Medical teams rushed him to Albert Einstein Hospital, where he was placed under neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure.

The hospital later confirmed that Izquierdo had suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest associated with cardiac arrhythmia, leading to brain death. This event has left many questioning the rigorous demands placed on professional athletes and their health and safety protocols.

Uruguayan soccer player, 27, dies days after collapsing on field during match https://t.co/v2Rv7JDSzc

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 28, 2024

Outpouring of Condolences

In the wake of Izquierdo’s passing, Nacional released a heartfelt statement. “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” the club wrote. “We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

Izquierdo’s passing has resonated deeply across the soccer community. From CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez to various football associations and fans, condolences have poured in. Uruguayan national team players and former teammates, including Luis Suárez, expressed their sorrow. “Pain, sadness, it is hard to explain,” said Suárez. “May he rest in peace. I wish a lot of strength for his family and friends.”

Juan Izquierdo, a Uruguayan soccer player who collapsed on the field during a game in Brazil last week, died on Tuesday. Izquierdo, 27, suffered cardiac arrest on Aug. 22 while he was playing for Nacional against São Paulo in Brazil. https://t.co/O1aCk6o5KV

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 28, 2024

A Call for Change

This tragic event has highlighted the need for improved health and safety measures for athletes. The death of Izquierdo is reminiscent of the passing of Sao Caetano defender Serginho almost two decades ago at the same stadium, which led to changes in health protocols in Brazilian soccer.

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

Izquierdo began his professional career in 2018 at Cerro, then moved to Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Mexico’s San Luís, and finally returned to Nacional in 2022. His contributions have left a lasting impact on every team he played for, and his untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the need for continued vigilance in athlete health and safety monitoring.