Quevin Castro, Former West Brom Midfielder, Dies at 25

Former West Brom midfielder Quevin Castro 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 build-up to the new third-tier campaign.

The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) confirmed on Sunday that Castro "passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly", turning what should have been a routine warm-up fixture into a tragedy.

Real Sport Clube paid an emotional tribute, describing the midfielder as a "beloved member of our sporting family". In a statement, the club said 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."

His loss has been felt far beyond Lisbon.

Castro, a product of the Sporting Clube academy, moved to England and built a career across several clubs. He joined West Brom in 2021 and made his senior debut for the club in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal. A second appearance followed later that season against Swansea, before he went out on loan to Burton Albion in search of regular football.

He also turned out for Cambridge City, York City and Notts County during his time in England, earning a reputation as a technically gifted midfielder with personality and presence in the dressing room. Last summer, he returned to Portugal to continue his career with Real Sport Clube.

West Brom said they were "devastated" by the news of Castro’s death. The Championship club will honour him during their fixture against Burnley on Sunday, with players wearing black armbands and a period of applause in the 25th minute – a nod to the age at which his life was cut short.

From academy prospect in Lisbon to nights under the lights in English football and back again, Castro’s journey ended where it began: on a pitch, with a ball at his feet. Now, the tributes will echo in every stadium where he once chased the game.