Quevin Castro, Former West Bromwich Albion Midfielder, Dies at 25

Quevin Castro, the former West Bromwich Albion midfielder, has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season match in Portugal.

The Real Sport Clube player fell to the ground in the first half of a friendly against top-flight side Estrela de Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon on Saturday. The game was part of Real Sport Clube’s preparations for the new third-tier campaign.

The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) confirmed the news, stating that Castro “passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly”.

Real Sport Clube paid a heartfelt tribute, describing the midfielder as a “beloved member of our sporting family” and adding: “Quevin Castro was much more than just a player; he was an integral part of our family, leaving an indelible mark on all those who knew him.”

Castro’s journey had already taken him across two countries and several clubs by the time of his death. Born in Portugal and developed in the Sporting Clube academy system, he moved to England and worked his way through the lower leagues before earning a move to West Brom in 2021.

He made his debut for the Baggies in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal, a significant step for a player who had previously featured for the likes of Cambridge City, York City and Notts County. His second West Brom appearance came later that season against Swansea, before he joined Burton Albion on loan in search of regular minutes.

West Brom said they were “devastated” by the news of Castro’s death. The club will honour him during their Championship fixture against Burnley on Sunday, with players set to wear black armbands and a period of applause planned in the 25th minute, a nod to his age.

After his spell in England, Castro returned to Portugal last summer, signing for Real Sport Clube and looking to relaunch his career closer to home.

That return was supposed to be the start of a new chapter. Instead, Portuguese and English football are left mourning a player remembered as much for his personality and presence as for his talent on the pitch.