Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Lisbon.
Castro was representing Portuguese third-tier club Real Sport against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora on Saturday, 22 August, when he suddenly fell to the ground during the match. Medical assistance was provided, but the young midfielder died at the ground before he could be taken for further treatment.
The tragedy brought the match to an immediate end. Players and officials from both sides were left shocked by the sudden death, while the Portuguese football community quickly expressed its condolences to Castro’s family, friends and former clubs.
The Lisbon Football Association issued a message of sympathy following the incident, offering its condolences to Castro’s loved ones and the clubs associated with him. Real Sport and Estrela da Amadora also mourned the footballer’s death.
Castro had developed his career in both Portugal and England. In 2021, he joined the academy of West Bromwich Albion and subsequently progressed into the club’s senior set-up. His senior debut came in the League Cup against Arsenal, giving the midfielder an opportunity to play at one of English football’s most prominent levels.
During his time with West Brom, Castro also gained experience through loan spells. He played for Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead before leaving the Championship club in 2023.
His career then continued in Portugal, where he joined Real Sport and remained involved in competitive football. His appearance against Estrela da Amadora was supposed to be another opportunity to continue that journey. Instead, it became the final match of his life.
West Bromwich Albion have also paid tribute to their former player. The English club said its players and staff would wear black armbands during their match against Burnley as a mark of respect for Castro.
The circumstances surrounding the sudden collapse and his death have not been fully detailed in the reports available so far. His passing, however, has prompted an outpouring of grief across the clubs and football communities with which he was associated.
Castro’s death at just 25 has once again highlighted the profound shock that can follow a medical emergency on a football pitch. For his family, teammates and former colleagues, the loss is all the more painful because it came while a young player was still pursuing his professional career and ambitions.
