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.

Castro fell to the ground in the first half of third-tier Real Sport Clube's friendly against top-flight 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 campaign, but it was abandoned amid distressing scenes.

The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) confirmed on Sunday that Castro "passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly", announcing his death in a brief but stark statement that stunned Portuguese football.

Real Sport Clube paid an emotional tribute, describing the midfielder as a "beloved member of our sporting family". The club added: "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."

Born in Portugal and developed at the Sporting Clube academy, Castro’s journey took him to England, where his talent and personality quickly drew attention across several clubs.

He joined West Brom in 2021 and made his senior debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal, a night that marked his arrival on the big stage. His second appearance for the club came later that season against Swansea, before he moved to Burton Albion on loan in search of regular minutes and experience in the English game.

Castro also turned out for Cambridge City, York City and Notts County during his time in England, leaving impressions at every stop before returning to Portugal last summer to continue his career closer to home.

West Brom said they were "devastated" by the news of his death. The Championship club will honour Castro with a period of applause in the 25th minute of their fixture against Burnley on Sunday, a nod to his age, and the players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

A career that once promised long, winding chapters across leagues and countries has been cut brutally short. On Sunday at The Hawthorns, when the 25th minute arrives and the applause rises, it will echo far beyond one stadium and one club.