Uruguayan Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Leaves Behind a Wife, Selena And Two Children
Juan Izquierdo, the title-winning defender who tragically lost his life after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores game, is survived by his wife and their children, as well as his parents, who were by his side during his hospitalization.
Juan Izquierdo, real name Juan Manuel Izquierdo Viana, was a Uruguayan football player who made over 100 Primera Division appearances.
Born on July 4, 1997, in Montevideo, Uruguay, he began his career in the Copa Sundmericana on February 20, 2018.
He suffered cardiac arrest during a Copa Libertadores match in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Despite being resuscitated, his condition worsened, and he needed a ventilator.
Tragically, he lost his life at the hospital after five days of being admitted at the age of 27.
Juan Izquierdo’s Wife and Parents Stayed By His Side During His Last Moments
According to a Twitter post by Football Report, he was taken to the hospital after collapsing on the pitch last Thursday.
Doctors reported that he suffered cardiac arrest due to cardiac arrhythmia. Despite intensive care and efforts to stabilize him, he caught cardiorespiratory arrest.
Also, a report suggests that Uruguay’s first and second-division leagues were halted due to concerns over his health condition.
His club, Nacional, and South American football’s governing body publicized the news of his demise.
Reports suggest that while he was in the Albert Einstein hospital, his wife could not come to see him because their son was born earlier in August, and it was only eight days ago.
Moreover, Juan Izquierdo’s wife, Selena, shared a heartfelt Instagram story asking for prayers while he was in the hospital and stated:
“Hello, I am Selena, Juanma’s wife. Please pray for him, send strength and good energy. Juanma needs us, I know he is very loved, and we are all hoping he gets through this moment. At home, his two-year-old daughter and his eight-day-old son are waiting for him. He has so much to live for. Please pray for him.”
(This is a translated version of Selena’s original Instagram post, so it might contain minor errors.)
However, reports suggest that at the time of his demise, his parents, wife, and kids were there by his side.
It is with a heavy heart that I say this, Juan Izquierdo has passed away.
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) August 28, 2024
He leaves behind a wife and a 10-day-old son 💔
Rest in peace 🕊️ https://t.co/5gQRbPhGSu pic.twitter.com/HqPpAAm002
Former Uruguay captain Diego Lugano also visited the hospital to show support to his family members during the difficult time.
The soccer community mourns his irreparable loss, and fellow players, including Uruguayan Luis Suárez, expressed their support.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Juan Izquierdo’s family, friends, and admirers. We will deeply miss his remarkable talent and impact on the world of sports.
Rest in Peace, Legend!!!
Additional Information
- In 2021, he played in Mexico’s Liga MX for Atletico San Luis.
- In the first season on 25 August, he played 28 games and scored 5-2 home over Progresso.
- He transferred to Penarol in February, 2019 and again signed for Montevideo Wanderers in November, 30 of the same year.