Portuguese-Angolan midfielder Quevin Castro dies at 25 after collapsing during friendly

Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a friendly match in Lisbon on Saturday, the Lisbon Football Association has confirmed.

Castro, who was born in Portugal to a Santomean father and an Angolan mother, was representing Portuguese third-tier side Real Sport Clube in a warm-up fixture against Primeira Liga outfit Estrela da Amadora when he suffered the medical emergency. The match was subsequently postponed following the tragedy.

Castro’s career cut short

The Lisbon FA expressed its condolences to Castro’s family, friends and Real SC following his death.

“To the family, his friends, and the affiliated club Real SC SAD, we address our deepest condolences at this tragic time for Portuguese football,” the association said.

Castro moved to West Brom’s academy in 2021 and progressed into the senior team, making his first-team debut in a League Cup tie against Arsenal.

The Portuguese midfielder subsequently gained experience away from The Hawthorns through loan spells with Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead before ending his association with the Championship club in 2023.

West Brom to honour former player

West Bromwich Albion have announced plans to pay tribute to Castro before their upcoming fixture against Burnley as the club mourns the former academy graduate.

The Championship side will hold a period of applause in the 25th minute, a symbolic gesture reflecting the age at which Castro died. Players and staff will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

“Albion will pay tribute to Quevin on Sunday, with a period of applause in the 25th minute of the fixture against Burnley. James Morrison’s men will also wear black armbands,” the club said in a statement.

Portuguese clubs mourn Castro

Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora also paid tribute to Castro on social media following the devastating incident.

Castro’s death has sent shockwaves through Portuguese football, with the circumstances surrounding his collapse bringing a premature end to the career of a midfielder who had represented clubs in both England and Portugal.

His death at just 25 has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the clubs and football authorities connected to him, with tributes expected to continue as the football community remembers the former West Brom player.