Sports journalism in Honduras is in mourning. Julio César Núñez, renowned narrator of Televicentro and sports director of Radio HRN, died this Sunday at the age of 71 in Tegucigalpa, weeks after suffering a stroke that kept him hospitalized since the beginning of May.

The news was confirmed by the Honduran station through social networks, generating a wave of reactions among colleagues, fans and national sports figures who regretted the departure of one of the most recognized voices on sports television and radio in Central America.

“The renowned journalist of Uruguayan origin, Julio César Núñez, sports narrator at Televicentro and HRN, died in the last hours in the Central District, in Francisco Morazán,” the Honduran network reported.

“Today we say goodbye with deep regret to the prominent sports journalist Julio Núñez, remembered for his unforgettable phrase: “Hold on, heart”, which accompanied great emotions of football,” the Honduras Football Federation published on social networks.

Julio César Núñez failed to recover from the stroke

The Uruguayan-Honduran journalist had been hospitalized in a care center in the Honduran capital since May 1, after suffering a stroke that seriously deteriorated his health.

As the days passed, family, colleagues and followers remained attentive to any updates on his evolution. However, this Sunday his death was confirmed.

One of the first to speak out was Salvador Nasralla, former presidential candidate and sports presenter, who opened his program by sending a farewell message to whom he considered a professional colleague.

"We begin our program today with great sadness. Our colleague Julio César Núñez has passed away, we had informed you that on May 1, he had a stroke, and did not resist his recovery," said Nasralla.

The legacy of Julio César Núñez in sports journalism

Throughout his career, Julio César Núñez established himself as one of the most beloved and respected voices in Honduran sports journalism. His passionate and close style with the audience made him a benchmark for football broadcasts in the country.

The news director of Radio HRN, Juan Carlos Barahona, remembered the communicator as a man passionate about journalism and reading, in addition to highlighting his positive attitude inside and outside the microphones.

The Honduras Football Federation also reacted to the news and dedicated an emotional message to the narrator.

“The voice went out, but it will continue to resonate in the hearts of the fans,” the organization said.

“Hold on, sweetheart!”, the phrase immortalized by Julio César Núñez

One of the most remembered elements of Julio César Núñez's career was his popular phrase “Hold on, heart!”, which over the years became an unmistakable hallmark of his sports stories.

The expression was originally born during coverage of cycling competitions in Uruguay, but achieved enormous popularity in Honduras thanks to soccer broadcasts on television and radio.

Núñez arrived in Honduras on May 25, 2003, after emigrating from Uruguay due to the economic crisis that his country was going through. Over time, he managed to build a solid career in Honduran media and won the affection of the public thanks to his unique style in front of the microphone.

Honduran soccer says goodbye to one of its most recognized voices

After the death of Julio César Núñez was confirmed, different media outlets, sports journalists and fans flooded social networks with farewell messages and recognition of his career.

The narrator's departure leaves an important void within the Honduran sports chronicle, especially for those who grew up listening to his stories in national team and local league games.

His legacy will remain linked to the passion of football and a phrase that was engraved in the collective memory of thousands of fans: “Hold on, heart!”