Quevin Castro has died aged 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal on Saturday morning, in a tragic event that brought the match between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora to a devastating halt.
The Portuguese third-tier side confirmed the death of the former West Brom player, while the Lisbon Football Association also said Castro had “passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly.”
It is a deeply sad story for a player whose career had taken him from England to Portugal and back again this summer. Castro had signed his first professional contract with Thetford Town in 2017 before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2021, where he made two senior appearances.
Tributes from both clubs
Real Sport Clube described Castro as “a player and beloved member of our sporting family,” adding that he was “much more than just a player” and had left “an indelible mark” on those who knew him on and off the pitch. The club also offered condolences and support to his family and friends.
Estrela da Amadora, the top-flight opposition in the match at the Estadio das Seixas in Malveira, said it extended its “most heartfelt condolences” to Castro’s family, friends and to the “entire Real Massama structure,” adding: “Our thoughts are with all those close to him. Rest in peace, Quevin.”
West Brom to honour Castro on Sunday
West Brom said it was “devastated” to learn of the untimely passing of its former player and confirmed a tribute for Sunday’s fixture against Burnley. The club said there will be a period of applause in the 25th minute, a fitting gesture for a player who died at 25.
Castro’s time at West Brom included a Carabao Cup appearance against Arsenal and a Championship outing as a substitute against Swansea City. He had also previously been associated with Sporting CP, Burton Albion and several non-league sides in England.
What should have been a routine pre-season game has instead become a moment of mourning across two countries. The tributes now planned by Real Sport Clube, Estrela da Amadora and West Brom underline the impact Castro had, even in a career that was still developing.
