Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal on Saturday, August 22. Castro was playing for Real Sport Clube against Estrela da Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon when he fell to the ground and was later pronounced dead in hospital.
The Lisbon Football Association confirmed his death and expressed condolences. In a Facebook post, the association said: “To the family, friends, and the affiliated club Real SC SAD, we address our deepest condolences at this tragic time for Portuguese football.”
Castro’s current club, Real Sport Clube, paid tribute, describing him as “far more than a player, he was a member of our family, leaving a mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the pitch.” The club added that it extended its “most sincere condolences” to his family and friends.
Estrela da Amadora also issued a statement, saying: “Estrela da Amadora hereby express their deepest sorrow for the passing of Quevin Castro, player for Real Massama. At this moment of profound sadness, Estrela da Amadora extend their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Quevin Castro, as well as to the entire Real Massama structure. Our thoughts are with all those close to him. Rest in peace, Quevin.”
Castro, who was born in Portugal but raised in Norfolk, England, joined West Brom in 2021. He made his senior debut against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and made one league appearance the following February. He later had loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County, and Gateshead before leaving West Brom in 2023. After spells with York City, King’s Lynn, Chippenham, Cambridge City, and Eastbourne, he returned to Portugal to join Real Sport Clube.
West Brom said they were “devastated” by his death and announced plans to honour him ahead of their match against Burnley on Sunday. The club will hold a period of applause in the 25th minute and players will wear black armbands. West Brom’s statement read: “Albion will pay tribute to Quevin on Sunday, with a period of applause in the 25th minute of the fixture against Burnley. James Morrison’s men will also wear black armbands.”
Notts County, where Castro spent time on loan, also expressed their sadness. The club said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of our former player, Quevin Castro. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time.”
According to reports, Castro collapsed after about 10 minutes of the match and medical teams from both sides rushed to his aid. The Irish Mirror reported that a defibrillator was deployed but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. The match was subsequently postponed.
The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, and reports have urged against speculation.
Castro was remembered by York City, where he played during the 2023-24 season, as a “much-loved member of their squad.”
The news has drawn condolences from across the football community, with tributes coming from his former clubs and the governing bodies in Portugal.