27-year-old Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match due to an irregular heartbeat and his condition worsened in the following days.

Juan experienced a cardiac arrest after collapsing during Nacional’s game against Sao Paulo late this month. At the time of his death, the Uruguayan athlete was under treatment at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo.

Nacional had said Juan was in stable condition but his health deteriorated afterwards. He was placed on a ventilator on August 25, 2024, and had been under neurological care since August 26, 2024.

In the match he collapsed in, the defender was a half-time substitute for former Liverpool player Sebastián Coates. Juan collapsed in the 84th minute without any contact with another player.

However, he received immediate medical attention on the field and was quickly taken to an intensive care unit, only to succumb a few days later. Surprisingly, before this incident, Juan had no known history of heart issues.

A heartbroken and shocked Club Nacional announced the death of their beloved player on X on August 28, 2024. They also 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.”

As per media reports, Juan’s wife, Selena, gave birth to the couple’s second child just over ten days ago. Their firstborn, a daughter, is only two-and-a-half years old. The footballer cherished his wife and always celebrated his goals thinking about her and their kids.

He once gushed, “There were days when I would come home really sad, but luckily, I have a woman who is worth her weight in gold and who helped me see the positive side of things. Her support was crucial.”

Selena wrote a heartbreaking letter, saying the day her husband died, a part of him left her. She penned, “Today I had to say goodbye to my other half, the love of my life. To many, Juan Izquierdo. To me, Juanma, my best friend, my husband, the father of my children, my unconditional support.”

Selena shared that she must now find strength for their children and carry on despite the overwhelming grief. She acknowledged that her husband fought until the end.

The mom of two also noted that his absence will be deeply felt with every step she takes and that she will miss him for the rest of her life. “You left so much life to live, so much path to walk, my Juanma,” added Selena.

Selena expressed gratitude to everyone who thought of him and offered support. She mentioned that today, Juanma watches over her and their children from above. “I will love you all my life, my warrior. This time, we faced a loss,” she wrote.

Fans and friend of Juan have sent their condolences to his family and loved ones. A spokesperson for the Brazilian team São Paulo noted that it was a deeply sad day for football upon hearing the news.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed deep sadness upon hearing of the tragic passing of the footballer. He said, “On behalf of Fifa and the entire footballing community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP.”

Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez voiced his deep sorrow, describing the pain and sadness as difficult to put into words. He wished Juan peace and offered strength to his family and friends during this difficult time.