Juan Izquierdo (July 4, 1997 – August 27, 2024) was a Uruguayan professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in Montevideo, he began his career with clubs such as Cerro, Peñarol, Montevideo Wanderers, and Atlético San Luis in Mexico. He achieved significant success with Nacional, winning the Uruguayan Primera División in 2022.
Tragically, during a Copa Libertadores match against São Paulo in Brazil on August 22, 2024, Izquierdo collapsed on the field due to cardiac arrhythmia. He was hospitalized but passed away five days later at the age of 27.
His untimely death deeply affected the football community. Both Uruguay and Guatemala honored him during a friendly match, displaying a banner that read, “Juan Manuel Izquierdo… forever in our hearts.”
Prominent figures, including Luis Suárez, expressed their grief, highlighting the profound loss felt by all who knew him.
For a visual tribute, you can watch the following video capturing the emotional moments following his passing: