Tragic loss: Ugandan footballer Juan Izquierdo, 27, passes away after collapsing during match

Ugandan footballer Juan Izquierdo tragically passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a club football game last week. The devastating news was confirmed on Wednesday (Aug 28) by Nacional de Football club, where Izquierdo formerly played in South America's Copa Libertadores.

"It is with deepest pain and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional de Football announces the passing of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," wrote Nacional in a heartfelt post on X.

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"We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is mourning his irreparable loss. RIP. Juan, you will be with us forever," the post added.

The 27-year-old was in intensive care since being taken to hospital after collapsing on the pitch due to irregular heartbeat during the match against Sao Paulo on August 22. Both the teams' players called for medical assistance immediately after the incident which happened in 84th minute of the game. Have a look at the moment below:

⚽ | El jugador uruguayo Juan Izquierdo, defensor del Nacional, se descompensó en pleno partido contra el São Paulo en el Morumbí, durante la Copa Libertadores. Actualmente, Izquierdo se encuentra en cuidados intensivos y lucha por su vida. pic.twitter.com/CrKN4LKX9t

South America football body chief Alejandro Dominguez also extended his condolences to friends and family of Izquierdo and said: “South American football is in mourning.” 

Sao Paulo, the opposition against which he collapsed, called it a 'sad day for football' and wore a shirt in his support amid deteriorating health during the Brazilian league win against Vitoria on Sunday. 

Albert Einstein Hospital, where the footballer was taken, said Izquierdo suffered from “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia,” in a statement on late Tuesday.