South American soccer fans were shocked to learn that a star player passed away after tragically collapsing on the field, sending shockwaves through the sport. 

According to Reuters, Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo, who had a cardiac event on the field right after the pitch in his last game, died at a local hospital due to complications stemming from the injury.

The star player reportedly suffered an irregular heartbeat during the match. It took place during a Copa Libertadores game last week, reports indicated.

Izquierdo, only 27, was revered as a beloved and skilled player on the team.

What happened?

The young player reportedly collapsed 84 minutes into the game and reports indicated that it didn't result from contact with a player.

Reuters noted:

Izquierdo fell to the ground unconscious in the 84th minute without coming into contact with another player. He was taken off the pitch in an ambulance before being treated at the intensive care unit of Albert Einstein Hospital.

His team released a statement on his unfortunate passing.

"It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo," Uruguay's Nacional wrote on X.

The team added, "We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss."

Con el más profundo dolor e impacto en nuestros corazones, el Club Nacional de Football comunica el fallecimiento de nuestro querido jugador Juan Izquierdo.

Expresamos nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su familia, amigos, colegas y allegados.

Todo Nacional está de luto por… pic.twitter.com/mYU28mqw6m

— Nacional (@Nacional) August 28, 2024

Social media reacts

Fans across social media reacted to the shocking news of the young player's untimely death.

"He wasn't on our team, but he fell at our house, in front of our people. Therefore, he became one of ours," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "How great you are, respect, nothing, without words, I thank you on behalf of the tricolor people, of my beloved Club, THANK YOU!!!"

Clearly, his legacy will live on. It's a shame to see such young, healthy people pass away under such tragic and scary circumstances.