Football clubs in England and Portugal are mourning the death of Quevin Castro, a 25-year-old midfielder who once played for West Bromwich Albion, after he collapsed during a pre-season friendly match on Saturday.
Castro fell to the ground in the first half of a friendly between his club, third-tier Portuguese side Real Sport Clube, and top-flight Estrela da Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon. He was taken to hospital, where he later died. The Lisbon Football Association confirmed he "passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly."
West Brom released a statement expressing their grief at the news. "West Brom are devastated to learn of the untimely passing of Quevin Castro, aged just 25," the club said. They confirmed plans to honor him before their Championship match against Burnley, with manager James Morrison's players observing a period of applause in the 25th minute and wearing black armbands throughout the game. "The thoughts of everyone at Albion are with Quevin's loved ones at this desperately sad time," the club added.
Castro spent two years at The Hawthorns after joining West Brom in 2021, making two senior appearances for the club. His debut came in a Carabao Cup fixture against Arsenal, and he later featured in a league match against Swansea. A product of the Sporting Clube de Portugal academy, Castro went out on loan multiple times during his stint in England, spending time with Burton Albion, Notts County, Gateshead, and Cambridge City. He later signed for York City in the summer of 2023, making 15 appearances for the Minstermen before returning to his native Portugal.
Real Sport Clube, the team Castro was representing at the time of his death, issued a heartfelt tribute describing him as an essential part of their club. "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," the club said, calling him a "beloved member of our sporting family."
Estrela da Amadora, the opponents in Saturday's friendly, also released a statement offering condolences to Castro's family, friends, and former teammates. "Estrela da Amadora hereby express their deepest sorrow for the passing of Quevin Castro, player for Real Massama (Real Sport Clube)," the statement read. "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."
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both the English and Portuguese football communities, with clubs on both sides of his career paying tribute to a young player whose journey took him from Sporting's academy system through various English lower-league and Championship setups before returning home. Castro's death underscores the fragility of life even among elite young athletes and has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from fans and former colleagues alike.
Further details regarding the circumstances of his collapse have not yet been made public, and tributes continue to arrive from clubs and supporters who crossed paths with Castro throughout his career.
Based on reporting from The Independent and BBC Sport.