Juan Manuel Izquierdo, a football player from Uruguay, died recently in São Paulo. His family won’t be left without support, though. The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) promises them a sum from his insurance. They’ll get his last paycheck in full and a monthly average of his bonuses for the next eight years.
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This commitment to support is baked into the AUF’s Player Statute. It’s a safety net that kicks in if a player suffers from severe injury or death, ensuring the player’s immediate family—his wife and kids in Izquierdo’s case—receives the benefits equally.
While this support is commendable, it also shines a light on the pay gaps in South American football. For perspective, Ignacio Ramirez, last season’s top scorer at Nacional, made about $80,000.
Across the border in Brazil, the big names easily make between $195,000 and $390,000 a month. Even Luis Suárez, a big fish back in Uruguay, pulled in around $200,000 monthly playing for Grêmio in Brazil.
This situation lays bare the financial realities that many Uruguayan players face, even as their families receive critical support following personal tragedies. The stark difference in earnings highlights not just solidarity but also the challenges within the sport across South America.
