The football world was left shocked by the tragic death of Uruguayan footballer Juan Manuel Izquierdo, who passed away at the age of 27 in São Paulo due to "brain death caused by a cardiac arrest associated with an arrhythmia." Izquierdo collapsed on the field during the second-leg match of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 between Nacional and São Paulo, and although he was immediately taken to the Albert Einstein Hospital where he was resuscitated, he did not survive.

The news of his death prompted a wave of reactions from across the sports world. CONMEBOL expressed its deep sorrow through a statement: "CONMEBOL deeply mourns the passing of Juan Izquierdo, a player from Nacional of Uruguay. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace." CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez added that "South American football is in mourning" and sent his condolences to Nacional and Izquierdo's loved ones.

Major Brazilian clubs also joined in mourning. Flamengo, Brazil’s most popular team, expressed their grief on social media, highlighting that "football is in mourning and shock due to this tragedy." Fluminense, the current Copa Libertadores champion, also extended its condolences, recalling that Izquierdo suffered a "sudden illness" during the match against São Paulo. São Paulo itself expressed its "deepest condolences" during this "painful time," calling the day "a sad day for football."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also sent his "deepest condolences" to Izquierdo's family and friends, extending his support to the Uruguayan Football Association, Club Nacional de Football, and the entire South American football community.

(VIDEO) The Moment Juan Manuel Izquierdo Collapsed in Libertadores

In Uruguay, the Uruguayan Football Association expressed its "deep sorrow and sadness" over the loss of the player, while Nacional issued an emotional message highlighting the impact of Izquierdo’s death on the club: "With the deepest pain and impact on our hearts, Club Nacional de Football announces the death of our dear player Juan Izquierdo. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace. Juan, you will forever be with us."

Peñarol, Nacional's traditional rival, also joined the mourning, deeply regretting Izquierdo’s death and sending condolences to his family, friends, and Club Nacional. Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate, as well as South American teams such as Colo Colo from Chile, Olimpia from Paraguay, and Alianza Lima from Peru, also expressed their sadness over the player's loss.

The Hospital Reveals the Cause of Juan Manuel Izquierdo's Death

From the political sphere, Uruguayan presidential candidates Andrés Ojeda and Yamandú Orsi expressed their condolences and sent messages of support to Izquierdo’s family and teammates. Ojeda described the news as "the worst and saddest," while Orsi emphasized that "a whole country refuses to believe" the tragic news.

Additionally, players such as Diego Forlán, the legendary Uruguayan footballer, Neymar Jr., and Luis Suárez, expressed their condolences and profound sadness over Izquierdo’s untimely death.

Juan Izquierdo’s death has left an indelible mark on South American and global football, uniting clubs, officials, players, and fans in collective mourning for the loss of a talent who left this world far too soon.