Former Baggies midfielder dies after collapsing during friendly in Portugal
West Bromwich Albion have said they are “devastated” after the death of former midfielder Quevin Castro, who collapsed during a friendly in Portugal and later died in hospital. The 25-year-old, who spent two years on the books at The Hawthorns and made senior appearances for the club, was playing for Portuguese third-tier side Real Sport Clube in a preparatory match against Estrela da Amadora when he fell ill.
The club confirmed Castro’s passing on Saturday and announced they will pay tribute at their next match, with a period of applause in the 25th minute and players wearing black armbands. In a statement West Brom said:
“West Brom are devastated to learn of the untimely passing of Quevin Castro, aged just 25. The thoughts of everyone at Albion are with Quevin’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.”
Portuguese reports say Castro felt unwell at the start of the training match and was treated on the pitch with a defibrillator before being taken to hospital, where his death was later confirmed. Estrela da Amadora also issued a statement expressing condolences to Castro’s family and to Real Sport Clube (often referenced as Real Massamá in local reports), saying they were “deeply sorrowful” at the loss.
Career path from England back to Portugal
Castro came through youth ranks that included time with Chelsea’s under-23s before moving into senior football in England. He made his first-team debut for West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal in 2021, and went on to make a further league appearance for the Baggies the following February. During his time under contract at West Brom he had loan spells at Burton, Notts County and Gateshead.
After leaving English football, Castro joined York in the summer of 2023, making 15 appearances for the Minstermen before returning to Portugal to play for Real Sport Clube. The club at the centre of Saturday’s match described Castro as “much more than a player” and “an integral part of our family”.
- Age: 25
- Clubs (selected): West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea U23, Burton, Notts County, Gateshead, York, Real Sport Clube
- Tribute: Applause in the 25th minute and black armbands at West Brom’s next fixture
For West Bromwich supporters and local followers of the club, the news will revive memories of a young player who progressed to first-team football at The Hawthorns and whose career included several loan moves designed to provide experience in senior football. The gesture planned by the club — applause in the 25th minute — is a reminder of how football communities mark the loss of figures connected to their clubs, even when those players have moved on.
| Season / Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2021 | First-team debut for West Bromwich Albion (Carabao Cup v Arsenal) |
| 2022 (Feb) | Made one league appearance for West Brom |
| 2023 (summer) | Joined York; made 15 appearances |
The loss has elicited messages across Portuguese and English football. Estrela da Amadora said:
“At this moment of profound sadness, Estrela da Amadora extend their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Quevin Castro, as well as to the entire Real Massama structure. Our thoughts are with all those close to him. Rest in peace, Quevin.”
The circumstances of Castro’s collapse and subsequent death are being reported in the Portuguese press; West Brom’s immediate response focuses on supporting his family and commemorating his short life and career. Further details will be released by the clubs involved as they become available.
West Bromwich Albion supporters and local football communities will have the chance to pay their respects on Sunday when the club implements the announced tribute. The loss of a former player at such a young age has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from clubs who encountered him during his career.
