The passing of Juan Manuel Izquierdo has left Nacional de Montevideo and the entirety of Uruguay in deep sorrow. On August 27, at just 27 years old, he succumbed to complications five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo. His demise has left those closest to him grappling for answers, trying to make sense of the tragic event.
His wife Selena expressed her anguish, revealing their youngest child was merely two weeks old when Juan passed. Team-mate Diego Polenta found it impossible to continue training, overcome by the grief of losing a close friend.
In a touching tribute, Nacional faced Liverpool de Futbol Club, the team Izquierdo had left to join Nacional. Players wore shirts featuring his picture and the badges of both clubs. The game was marked by a poignant moment of silence, and the referee paused play in the third minute to honor Izquierdo, who wore the No. 3 shirt. Nacional’s victory was seen as a therapeutic distraction from their grief.
The incident on August 22 saw Izquierdo collapse during a stoppage of play. Despite immediate efforts from his teammates and paramedics, he was unresponsive. Transported to the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo, he succumbed to cardiac arrest linked to a heart arrhythmia.
Football across Uruguay paused for a week, the sorrow further amplified by the recent birth of Izquierdo’s second child. On social media, his wife shared heartfelt messages, expressing the profound loss.
A public wake at Nacional’s training ground saw fans and even rivals from Peñarol come together to mourn, illustrating the unity that transcends the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) declared five days of mourning as Nacional’s players struggled to return to their routines.
Luis Suarez, during a match for Inter Miami, unveiled a message “Fuerza Juan” on his undershirt, showing his support. Sao Paulo players traveled to Montevideo to attend Izquierdo’s wake, further linking the two clubs through this tragic event.
In Brazil, moments of silence were held during matches, with Sao Paulo players wearing jerseys featuring Izquierdo’s name. His story of perseverance from a modest upbringing to professional football resonated deeply, symbolizing the pure love for the game.
Juan Izquierdo’s journey was marked by dedication to football and his family. Despite the hardships, he remained determined, often working in construction alongside his father. His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of life’s fragility, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering spirit and devotion to his loved ones.
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