Heartbreaking end: Uruguayan footballer tragically passes after collapsing on the pitch

Tragic news has emerged from the world of football, as Juan Izquierdo, the talented Uruguayan footballer, has passed away.

The devastating incident occurred on the pitch when Izquierdo collapsed due to an irregular heartbeat.

His Club Nacional team announced that the 23-year-old player had been receiving medical treatment after collapsing during the second leg of a Copa Libertadores round-of-16 match against Sāo Paulo at Brazil's Morumbi stadium on 22 August.

"With heavy hearts and profound sadness, Club Nacional has announced the tragic passing of our cherished player, Juan Izquierdo," Nacional stated on X.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. The entire nation is grieving over his irreplaceable departure.

Alejandro Domínguez, the president of South American football's governing body, expressed his condolences to Izquierdo's family and friends. "South American football is in a state of mourning," he stated.

São Paulo expressed their profound sadness upon hearing the news, describing it as a sad day for football.

Last Thursday, Izquierdo collapsed and was subsequently taken to Hospital Albert Einstein. In a statement released late on Tuesday, the hospital reported that Izquierdo experienced a cardiorespiratory arrest linked to his cardiac arrhythmia.

In a statement released on Monday, doctors at the hospital reported that Izquierdo was suffering from heightened intracranial pressure. The patient has been on a ventilator since Sunday and has been receiving specialised neurological care since Monday.

Uruguay's first and second-division football leagues were postponed over the weekend due to concerns surrounding Izquierdo's health. In a show of solidarity,

Sāo Paulo players donned a unique shirt before their 2-1 victory against Vitória in the Brazilian league on Sunday. The shirt served as a powerful symbol of support for the Uruguayan footballer.

In a surprising turn of events, Izquierdo replaced Sebastián Coates during halftime of the match against Sāo Paulo. However, in the 84th minute, the defender suddenly collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness despite not having any contact with another player.

Upon witnessing the incident, players from both teams swiftly requested medical aid. Izquierdo was transported off the field in an ambulance while still unconscious, and the fans showed their support with applause. He was then admitted to the intensive care unit at Hospital Albert Einstein for treatment.

Izquierdo started his professional career in 2018 at the local club Cerro. He became a part of Peñarol in the subsequent year, although his playing time was limited. The defender subsequently transferred to Montevideo Wanderers.

Izquierdo joined Nacional in 2022, making a single appearance before being transferred to the nearby Liverpool club. In the 2023 campaign, the defender proved to be a standout player for Liverpool, contributing significantly to the team's achievement of a Uruguayan league title.

The victory marked a historic moment for the club, as it was their first league title in over a century.

Izquierdo returned to Nacional this year, aiming to secure a spot in the starting lineup alongside the experienced Coates, who has represented Uruguay internationally. This year, he has participated in 23 matches, managing to find the back of the net on a single occasion.