Uruguayan Defender Izquierdo Dies After Collapsing During Match

Nacional's Juan Izquierdo receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during a Copa Libertadores game between Sao Paulo v Nacional at Estadio Morumbi, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 22, 2024 Carla Carniel/Reuters

South American football was in mourning on Tuesday following the death of Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, who collapsed on the pitch after suffering an irregular heartbeat during a Copa Libertadores game last week.

The 27-year-old had been undergoing medical treatment since collapsing during Nacional’s game against Brazilian side Sao Paulo on Aug. 22.