Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo is being remembered after he tragically lost his life at a young age this week.
The 27-year-old, a center back from Uruguay, passed away at the hospital on Tuesday.
The Nacional defender passed away days after collapsing on the field, his club announced.
Much like Damar Hamlin in the NFL, Juan Izquierdo suffered cardiac arrest during a Copa Libertadores match last Thursday in Sao Paulo, Brazil against Sao Paulo, per ESPN. However, he would never recover despite being resuscitated.
He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where his condition worsened as he needed a ventilator, according to doctors at Hospital Albert Einstein.
Unfortunately, he would never get better.
“It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player, Juan Izquierdo. We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones,” the club said on X. “All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever.”
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South American soccer’s governing body also posted a tribute as CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez said he’s “deeply sorry about the early departure of Juan Izquierdo.
“South American soccer is in mourning,” he said.
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Uruguayan Soccer Star Juan Izquierdo’s Death Leaves Tons of Heartbreak
Numerous players around the world showed their support over the last week after Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the field following a cardiac arrest event that had to have him resuscitated.
Fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez, who played for Nacional, wore a shirt during Inter Miami’s match over the weekend that said, “Fuerza, Juan.”
Former Uruguay captain Diego Lugano visited the hospital on Monday, along with other members of the soccer community as well as his family.
Unfortunately, Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo would pass away on Tuesday.
Izquierdo leaves behind a wife and two children.
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