The Uruguayan defender passed away on Tuesday after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match.
Uruguayan football is in mourning after the tragic news of the death of Juan Manuel Izquierdo, central defender of Uruguayan club Nacional. After five days of intense struggle at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Izquierdo was unable to overcome complications resulting from an arrhythmia suffered during the Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against São Paulo. This Tuesday, the player’s heart stopped beating, leaving an immense void in the world of sport and among those who knew him.
Uruguayan football is in mourning after the tragic news of the death of Juan Manuel Izquierdo, central defender of Uruguayan club Nacional. After five days of intense struggle at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Izquierdo was unable to overcome complications resulting from an arrhythmia suffered during the Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against São Paulo. This Tuesday, the player’s heart stopped beating, leaving an immense void in the world of sport and among those who knew him.
The Nacional club, through its social networks, issued an official statement expressing the pain and sadness that overwhelms the entire institution due to the departure of Juan Izquierdo: “With the deepest pain and shock in our hearts, Nacional communicates the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever.”
This emotional message reflects the impact that the news had not only on the club, but on Uruguayan and South American football as a whole. Izquierdo was a respected player, loved by his teammates and admired for his tenacity and dedication on the field.
During the days Izquierdo was hospitalized, his family was not alone. The delegation of Nacional leaders, who remained in Brazil to accompany the player, was by his side every night, offering support in the most difficult moments. In addition, São Paulo figures such as Jonathan Calleri and Uruguayan Míchel Araújo also regularly came to the hospital to show their solidarity, demonstrating that rivalry on the field is put aside when the life of a colleague is at stake.
Despite the pain and uncertainty, the Nacional squad returned to training at Los Céspedes on Tuesday, although without the obligation to show up. However, the emotional impact was evident. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) decided to suspend all local competitions during last weekend and next, as a sign of respect and mourning for the loss of Izquierdo.
Juan Manuel Izquierdo, 29, was in his second spell with Nacional, a club he had come to consider home. However, his career in Uruguayan football had been long and full of challenges. Izquierdo made his debut at Club Atlético Cerro, where he began to establish himself as a central defender. His talent led him to wear the shirt of Peñarol, one of the biggest teams in the country, and also to represent Montevideo Wanderers and Liverpool, where he left his mark with his dedication on the field.
His career took an international turn when he moved to Mexico to join Atlético San Luis, where he continued to demonstrate his quality as a defender. However, it was at Nacional where he found his place, returning to the club with the same passion that characterized him and earning the affection of the fans.
The passing of Juan Manuel Izquierdo leaves a huge void, not only in his family and at the Nacional club, but in all of Uruguayan football. His legacy is that of a warrior, a defender who gave his all on the field and who fought until the last moment of his life. The football community is united in grief, remembering Izquierdo not only as a great player, but as an exceptional human being, whose fighting spirit will be remembered forever.
Rest in peace, Juan Manuel Izquierdo.
