Oswaldo Balanta Shows No Aftereffects, San Lorenzo Call It “A True Miracle”

Colombian forward Oswaldo Balanta is showing encouraging signs of recovery after suffering a cardiac arrest during a training session with San Lorenzo's reserve team. The 23-year-old, currently on trial with the club following his departure from Boca Juniors de Cali, is now conscious, breathing on his own, and in stable condition, according to an official medical update released by San Lorenzo.

On Monday, Balanta underwent further testing, including brain and heart MRIs. “The results were perfect, there are no aftereffects. It’s a true miracle,” sources from San Lorenzo told Clarín. For now, he remains under observation as specialists work to determine the cause of the incident before clearing him for discharge.

Balanta collapsed during a practice session earlier this week, prompting immediate resuscitation efforts that were successful thanks to CPR performed on-site. He was rushed to Sanatorio Finocchietto, where he remained in critical condition for several days. His health scare sparked concern across both Argentine and Colombian football communities.

The club’s medical report noted that Balanta is no longer sedated, has been removed from mechanical respiratory support, and is lucid. He is being closely monitored in the facility’s Coronary Care Unit, accompanied by his mother, and has already received visitors, with whom he was able to communicate—an important sign of progress.

Despite this positive development, the player remains under strict medical supervision and will undergo further tests in the coming days to assess his condition and determine the next steps in his recovery. During their recent match against Lanús, San Lorenzo’s first team paid tribute to Balanta by displaying a shirt bearing his name.