Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quévin Castro dies aged 25 after collapsing in Portugal

Collapse during pre-season fixture in Malveira

Portuguese midfielder Quévin Castro died on the morning of 22 August 2026 after collapsing on the pitch during a pre-season friendly match in Malveira, a town north of Lisbon. The 25-year-old was representing Portuguese side Real Sport Clube against top-flight club Estrela da Amadora at the Estádio das Seixas. Approximately ten minutes into the match, Castro lost consciousness and fell to the turf. Medical personnel from both teams rushed onto the field and administered first aid, utilizing an on-site defibrillator while summoning Portugal's national medical emergency institute (INEM). Castro was transported by emergency services to a nearby hospital, where medical staff certified his death shortly after arrival. The match was abandoned immediately following the medical emergency.

Tributes from Portuguese and English clubs

The Lisbon Football Association confirmed Castro's death in an official statement, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and Real Sport Clube. The president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, noted on social media that Castro passed away while preparing for the season that marked his return to national football. Real Sport Clube, based in Massamá, released a statement mourning the loss of the midfielder.

Quevin Castro was far more than a player, he was a member of our family, leaving a mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the pitch.

Opponents Estrela da Amadora also extended their sympathies to Castro's family and the entire Real Massama organisation.

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.

In England, former club West Bromwich Albion announced that players under James Morrison will wear black armbands during their fixture against Burnley on Sunday. The club also confirmed that supporters and players will hold a period of applause in the 25th minute of the match.

Football career across England and Portugal

Born in Lisbon, Castro spent his early youth development with Sporting CP and Linda-a-Velha before moving to England. He signed his first professional contract with Norfolk-based club Thetford Town in 2017 and played for Bury Town while undergoing trials with English clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal. In 2021, Castro joined the academy of West Bromwich Albion, making his senior debut in a Carabao Cup fixture against Arsenal. He recorded his maiden league appearance in February 2022 as a substitute against Swansea City in the Championship.

Castro subsequently completed loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County, and Gateshead before parting ways with West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2023. Over the following seasons, he played for several English non-league teams, including York City, King's Lynn Town, Chippenham Town, Cambridge City, and Eastbourne Borough. He completed a transfer to Real Sport Clube in the summer of 2026 ahead of the upcoming campaign in Portugal.