Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match in Portugal on Saturday morning.
Castro, who was playing for Real Massama against Estrela de Amadora, fell to the ground just 10 minutes into the game. Medical teams from both clubs rushed onto the pitch to assist him, with Portuguese outlet A Bola reporting that a defibrillator was used. Despite attempts to revive him, Castro was pronounced dead at hospital.
Match suspended after midfielder's death
The fixture was suspended, and Estrela de Amadora issued a statement expressing its deepest sorrow. The club said: "Estrela da Amadora hereby expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Quevin Castro, player for Real Massama."
The statement continued: "At this moment of profound sadness, Estrela da Amadora extends its 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."
Tributes from former clubs
Multiple tributes were posted on social media. One post read: "We regret to inform of the passing of Quevin Castro at the age of 25. Quevin Castro, who played for West Bromwich Albion, tragically passed away after suffering a health issue during a preseason friendly match between his club, Real Sport Clube, and Estrela da Amadora in Malveira, Portugal. In the 10th minute, he indicated that he felt unwell. He passed away. He did not arrive alive at the hospital."
Castro's former club Eastbourne Borough wrote: "#EBFC are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Quevin Castro. Our thoughts are with Quevin's family during this extremely difficult time. Rest in Peace, Quevin."
West Bromwich Albion also paid tribute, stating: "West Bromwich Albion are devastated to learn of the untimely passing of Quevin Castro, aged just 25. 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."
The club added: "Quevin joined the Baggies as a teenager in 2021 and went on to make his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal. He made his maiden league outing for the club in February 2022 and scored in the Premier League Cup final triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers three months later."
Career across England and Portugal
Castro had loan spells at Burton, Notts County and Gateshead before leaving West Brom in the summer of 2023. He later played for York City, King's Lynn, Chippenham, Cambridge City and Eastbourne before returning to Portugal.
A graduate of the Sporting CP youth setup, Castro signed his first professional deal with Thetford Town in 2017. He also had spells with Mildenhall Town, Leiston, Bury Town and Norwich CBS before joining West Brom in 2021.
