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 friendly in Portugal.

The Real Sport Clube player fell to the ground in the first half of a match against top-flight side Estrela de Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon on Saturday. The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) later confirmed that Castro "passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly".

Real Sport Clube led the tributes, describing the midfielder as a "beloved member of our sporting family" and paying homage to his impact on and off the pitch.

"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," the club said in a statement.

Castro’s journey had already taken him across two countries and several levels of the game. Born in Portugal and a product of the Sporting Clube academy system, he moved to England and worked his way through the lower leagues, turning out for Cambridge City, York City and Notts County.

His break into the professional spotlight came in 2021 when he joined West Brom. He made his debut for the club in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal, then added a second appearance later that season against Swansea before heading to Burton Albion on loan in search of regular minutes.

West Brom said they were "devastated" by 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 players will wear black armbands.

Last summer, Castro returned to Portugal, signing for Real Sport Clube in the country’s third tier. It was meant to be another step in a career still forming, another chance to climb. Instead, Portuguese and English football now unite in mourning a midfielder remembered as much for his character as for his talent.