A South American footballer has sadly passed away aged 27 after collapsing during a game last week.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Uruguayan outfit Nacional announced that Juan Izquierdo died just five days after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match.
The central defender was rushed to hospital following the incident last week, and was initially said to be in a "stable condition".
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nacional issued a statement to confirm the tragic news, calling Izquierdo's untimely passing an "irreparable loss".
"It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo. We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones," it read.
"All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever."
CBS Sports reports Izquierdo suffered a cardiac arrest in their continental cup clash against Sao Paulo, before being resuscitated and rushed to hospital.
The 27-year-old's condition worsened, with doctors saying he needed to be put on a ventilator.
Former Nacional striker Luis Suarez paid tribute to Izquierdo when he turned out for Inter Miami on the weekend with a shirt that read "Fuerza, Juan".
The late defender sadly leaves behind a wife and two children.
