Quevin Castro, 25, a former West Bromwich Albion midfielder, died after collapsing roughly 10 minutes into a friendly match in Portugal on August 22 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The match was between third-tier Portuguese club Real Sport Clube and Primeira Liga side Estrela da Amadora, held at Estadio das Seixas in Malveira near Lisbon [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Castro lost consciousness on the field and received immediate medical attention, including defibrillator use. He was then rushed to hospital but did not survive [4, 5, 6]. The Lisbon Football Association confirmed his death the following morning and expressed condolences, stating, "To the family, his friends, and the affiliated club Real SC SAD, we address our deepest condolences at this tragic time for Portuguese football" [1, 2, 3, 4].
Real Sport Clube described Castro as "much more than just a player; he was an integral part of our family, leaving an indelible mark on all those who knew him" [1]. West Bromwich Albion, for whom Castro joined the academy in 2021 and made his senior debut in a League Cup match against Arsenal that year, released a statement expressing devastation at the news. The club announced it will honor Castro during its next Championship match against Burnley by observing a period of applause in the 25th minute and wearing black armbands [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
After leaving West Brom in 2023 following loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County, and Gateshead, Castro played for several lower league teams in England before returning to Portugal last summer to join Real Sport Clube [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The friendly match was postponed after the incident [2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
West Brom's tribute match against Burnley is scheduled for August 23, when fans and players will mark the memory of the young midfielder [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
