Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo, who tragically collapsed on the pitch after suffering an irregular heartbeat during a match last week, has sadly passed away, as confirmed by his Club Nacional team.

The 27-year-old had been receiving medical treatment ever since he collapsed during the second leg of a Copa Libertadores round of 16 tie against Sāo Paulo at Brazil’s Morumbi stadium on 22 August.

In a statement, Club Nacional expressed their profound sadness, stating, “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces 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 in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

Alejandro Domínguez, the president of South American football’s governing body, also offered his condolences to Izquierdo’s family and friends, emphasizing that “South American football is in mourning.”

Sāo Paulo also expressed their deep sadness over the news, describing it as a “sad day for football.”

Following his collapse, Izquierdo was immediately rushed to Hospital Albert Einstein. The hospital later released a statement revealing that Izquierdo had experienced “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”

The football world is left reeling from the loss of Juan Izquierdo, a talented player whose sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the sport. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.