Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has died at the age of 27 after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match.

Club Nacional confirmed on social media that its defender suffered from cardiac arrhythmia during the match against Sao Paulo at the Estadio do Morumbi on Thursday, August 22. Since his collapse, he has been treated in the intensive care unit of a Sao Paulo hospital.

“It is with deep pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo,” Club Nacional wrote on social media.

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

“Rest in peace. Juan, you will be with us forever.”

Izquierdo came on as a half-time substitute in the second leg of the round of 16 against Sao Paulo before collapsing in the closing stages. He was treated by medical staff on the pitch and left the stadium in an ambulance.

He was taken to Albert Einstein Hospital and received neurological care in the intensive care unit. Nacional provided regular updates on his condition.

Following Izquierdo’s collapse, all of last weekend’s Uruguayan Premier Division matches were postponed.

An ambulance took Izquierdo from the stadium to the hospital (Nelosn Almeida/AFP via Getty Images)

Uruguayan men’s national team captain Luis Suarez wrote on social media: “Pain, sadness, it’s hard to explain. May he rest in peace. I wish his family and friends a lot of strength.”

Izquierdo began his professional career at the Uruguayan club Cerro in his hometown of Montevideo.

He then played for Penarol, Montevideo Wanderers, Atletico San Luis and Montevideo Wanderers before joining Nacional in 2022.

Izquierdo moved to Uruguayan Premier League club Liverpool in 2023, where he won the 2023 Uruguayan Premier Division before returning to Nacional in January 2024.

“South American football is in mourning,” wrote CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez on social media. “My condolences go out to Club Nacional de Uruguay and all its families.”

In its tribute to the player, Nacional wrote: “Juan Manuel was a sportsman, committed to the club and loved by all his teammates and members of the National Football Club. Dear Juan, we will always remember you.”

(Top photo: Eitan Abramovich/AFP via Getty Images))