In a terrifying incident, Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, 27, collapsed on the pitch during Nacional’s Copa Libertadores match against Sao Paulo in Brazil on Thursday.
The defender received immediate medical attention and was rushed to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat.
In the 84th minute, Izquierdo suddenly fell to the ground, prompting players from both teams to call for medical assistance.
Nacional provided an update on his condition, stating that Izquierdo was stable and under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
“Juan Izquierdo suffered an irregular heartbeat during the match against Sao Paulo,” Nacional posted on social media.
Fuerte imagen de Juan Izquierdo, futbolista de Nacional, que debió salir de la cancha en ambulancia.
Que no sea nada
pic.twitter.com/DJI8zjft2V
Nacional president, Alejandro Balbi, issued a statement from the hospital, saying that Izquierdo was sedated and stabilized, and that a heart attack had been ruled out. However, he would undergo further medical evaluations.
“He is under observation, and we have to wait and evaluate. The doctors say that because he is an athlete and young, he has a chance of everything returning to normal,” Balbi said.
Izquierdo’s parents and representatives are expected to arrive in Brazil in the coming days. Penarol president Ignacio Ruglio also sent a message of support to Izquierdo and his family.
“Much strength to Juan Izquierdo and his family during these hours. Strength to him and I hope he gets out of the ICU quickly. We are all waiting for his recovery,” Ruglio said.
Nacional president, Alejandro Balbi, also issued a statement on the defender’s condition stating that Izquierdo was set to ‘undergo further medical evaluations’
The president added that Izquierdo’s parents and representatives would be arriving in Brazil in the coming days
Izquierdo (left) joined Nacional in January 2024 and has made 23 appearances for the club so far this season
His former club, Penarol, issued their support to Izquierdo, writing: ‘Fuerza, Juan’ which translates from Spanish to: ‘Strength, Juan’
Nacional went on to lose the match 2-0, with Damian Bobadilla scoring in the first half and Jonathan Calleri adding the second in the 47th minute. Sao Paulo secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament against Botafogo.
During the 83rd minute, Izquierdo suddenly stumbled and collapsed to the ground, prompting medical teams to rush onto the pitch. An ambulance later entered the field to transport him to the hospital.
Izquierdo rejoined Nacional in January on a free transfer from Uruguayan side FC Liverpool, having previously played for the club during the 2022-23 season.
After a brief pause in play, the game resumed, with Emiliano Velazquez coming on as his substitute.