Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo has died after collapsing on the pitch due to cardiac arrhythmia during a Copa Libertadores match earlier this month.

The 27-year-old Uruguayan had been in hospital since collapsing during Nacional’s match against Sao Paulo on August 22.

“It is with deep sadness and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” his team posted on X.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and relatives. The whole of Nacional mourns his irreparable loss.”

Upon hearing the news, a Sao Paulo spokesman said it was a “sad day for football.”

Inter Miami striker Luis Suarez said: “Pain, sadness, it’s hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish his family and friends a lot of strength.”

Izquierdo was put on a ventilator on Sunday and had been receiving neurological treatment since Monday.

The defender came on as a half-time substitute for former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates during his team’s match against Sao Paulo.

He collapsed in the 84th minute and had no contact with other players at the time of his collapse.

Izquierdo received medical treatment on the pitch and was taken to intensive care shortly afterwards.

Following the collapse of Izquiedro, matches in Uruguay’s first and second divisions were postponed over the weekend.