Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal.
Castro was playing for Portuguese club Real Sport Clube against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora at the Estádio das Seixas on Saturday when he collapsed during the first half.
Medical personnel immediately attended to him before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.
The Lisbon Football Association confirmed Castro’s death, while Real Sport Clube described him as more than a player and an important member of the club’s family.
The match was stopped following the incident as efforts were made to save the midfielder.
West Bromwich Albion expressed shock and sadness over the news, describing Castro’s death as “devastating.”
The Championship club said it would honour its former player before Sunday’s match against Burnley. West Brom players will wear black armbands, while supporters will observe a period of applause in the 25th minute in tribute to Castro’s age.
Castro joined West Brom in 2021 after impressing during a trial. He made his first-team debut against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and later featured in a Championship fixture against Swansea City.
He subsequently spent time on loan at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead before joining York City in 2023. He also represented several other English clubs before returning to Portugal.
Castro had celebrated his 25th birthday just six days before his death.
Tributes have since poured in from his former clubs, teammates and colleagues, with Estrela da Amadora among those expressing condolences to his family, friends and members of Real Sport Clube.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
