Former West Bromwich Albion footballer Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a friendly match in Portugal.
The central midfielder collapsed in the tenth minute of the match on Saturday while playing for third-tier Portuguese side Real Sport Clube against top-flight team Estrela da Amadora.
Desperate attempts were made to revive Castro with a defibrillator by a doctor from Estrela da Amadora, who are based in Amadora, just north-west of Lisbon. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The match was subsequently cancelled.
Career across English football
Castro, whose full name was Quevin Moises Cachicote da Rocha de Castro, was born in Portugal and turned 25 on August 16. He grew up in Thetford, a market town in Norfolk, where he attended the local secondary school.
During his early career in non-league football, the midfielder represented a string of clubs across East Anglia and the East of England, including Mildenhall Town, Thetford Town, Norwich CBS, Leiston, and Bury Town.
His performances led to trial spells with Ipswich Town in 2019 and 2020, as well as trials at Sutton United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Bromwich Albion. In the summer of 2021, Castro signed a two-year contract with West Brom following his successful trial with the West Midlands club, who compete in the EFL Championship.
He made his senior debut for West Brom on August 25, 2021, starting in a 6-0 EFL Cup second-round defeat against Premier League side Arsenal. His only league appearance for West Brom came on February 28, 2022, when he featured as a substitute in a 2-0 Championship defeat to Swansea City.
Castro joined League One outfit Burton Albion on a season-long loan on July 14, 2022, but the agreement was terminated by mutual consent on September 1 of that year. He later joined National League club Notts County on loan, before going on to play for several other teams including King's Lynn and Chippenham Town.
In March this year, Castro signed for Isthmian League Premier Division club Eastbourne Borough. He subsequently moved back to his homeland of Portugal to join Real Sport Clube, formally named Real Sport Clube and commonly known as Real Massamá.
Tributes paid to former player
Following news of his death earlier today, West Brom fan page westbrom.fc posted a tribute on social media alongside a photo of the Portuguese-born midfielder, writing: "Former West Bromwich Albion player Quevin Castro has passed away aged 25. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this extremely difficult time. RIP, Quevin."
Supporters reacted online to the news, with one fan saying: "RIP Quevin. What a shock. Condolences to the family." Another said: "Wow, aged 25. Gone playing the sport he loved. Horrible news. May he rest in peace." Another added: "That's devastating. Far too young. RIP."
Real Sport Clube paid tribute to Castro on social media alongside a black ribbon photo with his name underneath, stating: "It is with profound sadness and great sorrow that Real Sport Clube announces the passing of Quevin Castro, a player and beloved member of our sporting family. Quevin 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. At this time of grief, Real Sport Clube extends its most sincere condolences to the family and all friends of Quevin Castro, expressing its full solidarity and unconditional support. May the memory of Quevin Castro live on in our hearts. Rest in peace."
Opponents Estrela da Amadora also released a statement on its website expressing sorrow at his death, referencing his club by the name Real Massama as it is commonly known: "Estrela da Amadora hereby expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Quévin Castro, player of Real Massamá. In this moment of profound sadness, Estrela da Amadora extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Quévin Castro, as well as to the entire Real Massama organization. Our thoughts are with all those who were close to him. Rest in peace, Quevin."
