Football fans across the world are mourning the sudden death of former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro, who passed away at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal.
According to reports from the BBC, Castro fell to the ground during the first half of a friendly between third-tier side Real Sport Clube and top-flight club Estrela de Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon on Saturday. The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) confirmed that Castro “passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly.”
Tributes Pour In
Real Sport Clube, the club Castro was playing for at the time of his collapse, described him as “a beloved member of our sporting family.” In a heartfelt statement, the club said: “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.”
West Bromwich Albion, where Castro began his professional journey in England, also expressed their grief. The Baggies said they were “devastated” by the news and announced plans to honour their former player with a period of applause in the 25th minute — a nod to his age — during their Championship fixture against Burnley on Sunday. Players will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
Castro’s Football Journey
Castro joined West Brom in 2021 after coming through the Sporting Clube academy in Portugal. He made his debut for the Baggies in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal, a memorable milestone in his young career. His second and final appearance for the club came against Swansea later that same season, after which he was sent out on loan to Burton Albion to gain further experience.
In search of regular game time, Castro went on to turn out for several English clubs, including Cambridge City, York City, and Notts County, before returning to his native Portugal last summer. As detailed in coverage from ESPN, he had been representing Real Sport Clube in the pre-season friendly when he collapsed on the pitch.
A Career Cut Short
Castro’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community, both in England and Portugal, with many remembering him as a promising talent whose career took him across multiple clubs in search of opportunity. His journey from the Sporting academy to English football’s lower and Championship tiers reflected the determination of a young player still trying to establish himself in the game.
As tributes continue to pour in from clubs and fans alike, the football world is left to reflect on the sudden and tragic loss of a player whose story was still being written. West Brom’s gesture of applause and black armbands during their Burnley clash stands as a fitting tribute to a former player whose brief time at the club left a lasting impression.
Our thoughts are with Quevin Castro’s family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time.