Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly match in Lisbon, Portugal, on Saturday, August 22. Castro was playing for third-tier side Real Sport Clube against top-flight club Estrela da Amadora when he suffered the medical emergency on the pitch.
The sudden tragedy has sent shockwaves through English and Portuguese football. Castro, who had built a career across non-league and professional ranks in both countries, fell to the ground just ten minutes into the first half at the Estádio das Seixas.
What Happened on the Pitch in Lisbon
During the warm-up fixture between Real Sport Clube and Estrela de Amadora, Castro became unconscious during the opening exchanges of the game. Medical personnel from both clubs sprinted onto the pitch immediately to provide emergency assistance.
According to regional reporting, a defibrillator was brought onto the field in an urgent attempt to revive the midfielder. Paramedics subsequently arrived at the scene to continue resuscitation efforts before transporting him to a hospital. Despite these desperate interventions, clinicians were unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead.
The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) confirmed the loss in an official statement, noting that the player passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly
. Following the collapse, the fixture was immediately called off and postponed.
Career Path from Thetford to the Championship
Born in Portugal, Castro moved to England at age 16 in 2017. He grew up in Thetford, Norfolk, where he attended the town’s academy and turned out for several regional clubs, including Mildenhall Town, Thetford Town, Norwich CBS, Leiston, and Bury Town.
After earning trial stints with professional outfits such as Ipswich Town, Sutton United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, Castro secured a move with West Bromwich Albion in 2021.
Known as a powerful and energetic central midfielder, he made his senior debut for the Baggies in a League Cup match against Arsenal. He made his maiden league appearance in February 2022 against Swansea City and later scored in the Premier League Cup final triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Loan Spells and Non-League Football
During his time at West Brom, Castro undertook multiple loan spells to gain senior experience. He spent time with Burton Albion, Notts County, and Gateshead before permanently departing the Championship club in the summer of 2023.
Subsequent stops followed across the English non-league pyramid. He joined York City in 2023, making 14 appearances before moving on loan in January 2024 to King’s Lynn Town, where he scored once in a 3-1 victory over South Shields.
His career later took him to Chippenham Town, Cambridge City, and Eastbourne Borough. After netting three goals in six appearances for Eastbourne, Castro opted to return to his native Portugal over the summer, signing with Real Sport Clube—frequently known as Real Massamá—to compete in the Campeonato de Portugal.
Tributes from Clubs and Calls for Action
Tributes poured in across the football world as former clubs and teammates reacted to the news. West Brom said they were devastated by the untimely loss of their former player.
“Estrela da Amadora hereby expresses its deepest sorrow for the passing of Quevin Castro, player for Real Massama. 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 Massamá structure. Our thoughts are with all those close to him.”
Estrela da Amadora, opposing club
Real Sport Clube released a statement remembering the midfielder not just as an athlete, but as an integral part of our family, leaving an indelible mark on all those who knew him
.
Paul Caddis, head coach at King’s Lynn Town, voiced deep grief over the tragedy while raising broader questions about player health monitoring in lower tiers of the sport.
“Something has to be done. It’s happened far too often now, I think, and young players and footballers are meant to be athletes and the healthiest of males out there. I think at this level, we’re full-time, we’ve got a lot of full-time football clubs at this level and we don’t get heart scans or heart monitors. I think it’s something that the money that football, not football clubs, the industry brings in- the Premier League, the PFA, the National League- I think I would be well-backed in campaigning for heart screens and testing and stuff like that across the board.”
Paul Caddis, head coach at King’s Lynn Town
Honours Planned at Upcoming Fixtures
English clubs where Castro left a mark are organizing tributes to honour his memory. West Brom announced that manager James Morrison’s squad will wear black armbands during their Championship fixture against Burnley. The club will also observe a period of applause in the 25th minute of the match, matching the age at which Castro passed away.
