Portuguese soccer player Quévin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing on the pitch during a preseason friendly match, according to statements from the Lisbon Football Association and his club, Real Sport Clube. The central midfielder suffered the medical emergency on Saturday, August 22, while playing for fourth-division side Real Sport Clube against Estrela da Amadora at the Estádio das Seixas stadium in Malveira, Portugal.
Tragic Collapse During Preseason Friendly in Malveira
According to the Press Association, Castro collapsed during the match and was immediately transferred to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Following the incident, the match between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora was postponed indefinitely. The tragedy occurred shortly after Castro returned to Portugal in June, meaning he passed away before ever playing an official competitive match for his new club.
The Lisbon Football Association issued a statement on Facebook mourning the loss. “To the family, friends, and the affiliated club, we extend our deepest condolences during this tragic time for Portuguese football,” the organization wrote. Real Sport Clube also paid tribute to the midfielder on social media. “Quévin Castro was far more than a player, he was a member of our family, leaving a mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the pitch,” the club stated.
English Clubs Pay Tribute to Former Midfielder
Prior to his return to Portugal, Castro spent nine years playing across several English clubs, most notably a two-year stint with West Bromwich Albion from 2021 to 2023. During his time with the Baggies, he made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Arsenal and his maiden league outing in February 2022, alongside loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County, and Gateshead.
West Bromwich Albion announced they were “devastated” to learn of Castro’s untimely passing. The club honored him during their fixture against Burnley on Sunday, August 23, where players wore black armbands and observed a period of applause in the 25th minute. Other former clubs, including Notts County, also released statements expressing shock and deep sadness over the player’s death.
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