Quevin Castro, a former West Bromwich Albion midfielder, died on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Lisbon, Portugal. Castro went down in the 10th minute while playing for third-tier Portuguese club Real Sport Clube against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas.
Medics' Efforts to Save Castro
According to BBC Sport, a doctor attached to Estrela da Amadora's medical team rushed onto the pitch and used a defibrillator in a desperate attempt to save the player. Castro was subsequently taken to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Lisbon Football Association confirmed that Castro "passed away during the pre-season friendly."
Clubs Pay Tribute to Castro
Real Sport Clube released a statement mourning the loss of the central midfielder. "It is with profound sadness and great sorrow that Real Sport Clube announces the passing of Quevin Castro, a player and beloved member of our sporting family," the club said. "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."
Estrela da Amadora also extended their condolences. "Estrela da Amadora hereby expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Quévin Castro, player of Real Massamá," the club wrote. "Our thoughts are with all those who were close to him. Rest in peace, Quevin."
West Brom said they were "devastated" by the news. The Championship club announced they would mark the 25th minute of their upcoming fixture against Burnley on Sunday with applause in Castro's honour, with players also wearing black armbands.
Castro's Career Path Before His Tragic Death
Born in Portugal and raised in Thetford, Norfolk, Castro came through the Sporting Clube de Portugal academy before building his career across both countries. According to The Sun, he had trial spells at several clubs including Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Chelsea and Sutton United, before signing a two-year contract with West Brom in the summer of 2021.
He made his debut for the club on August 25, 2021, starting in a 6-0 EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal, and made his only league appearance on February 28, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 Championship loss to Swansea City. A loan spell at Burton Albion in League One followed, though it was cut short by mutual consent. He later joined Notts County on loan in the National League.
After returning to non-league football in England with Eastbourne Borough, Castro moved back to Portugal last summer to join Real Sport Clube. He had turned 25 just days before his death, with his birthday falling on August 16.
Related Incident: Nigerian Footballer Dies in UK Hospital
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that a young Nigerian football player, Saburi Olayinka Adeniji, passed away at the age of 22 on Friday, February 6. Adeniji played for a Non-League side where he left fond memories in the hearts of former teammates, coaches and officials.
