Quévin Castro, a 25-year-old Portuguese-English footballer who spent two years on West Bromwich Albion’s books, died on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal.
Key facts
- Died: Saturday, August 22, 2026, at age 25
- What happened: Collapsed roughly 10 minutes into a pre-season friendly
- Where: Estádio das Seixas in Malveira, near Lisbon, Portugal
- Match: Real Sport Clube vs. Estrela da Amadora
- Response: A doctor used a defibrillator on the pitch; medical staff and Portugal’s national emergency medical service continued resuscitation before he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead
- Cause of death: Not yet released
- Club history: Two years on West Bromwich Albion’s books (2021-2023), two senior appearances
How Castro collapsed
Castro went down roughly 10 minutes into the match between Real Sport Clube, the Portuguese third-tier side he had just signed for, and Estrela da Amadora, played at Estádio das Seixas in Malveira, near Lisbon. A doctor on the scene used a defibrillator on the pitch, and medical staff and Portugal’s national emergency medical service continued resuscitation efforts before he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Cause of death not yet known
As of the latest reports, no medical examiner, family member or club has released an official cause of death, and no source has reported that Castro had a previously known heart condition or other diagnosed medical issue.
Reactions from clubs
West Bromwich Albion, where Castro made two senior appearances between 2021 and 2023, said in a statement that the club was “devastated to learn of the untimely passing of Quévin Castro, aged just 25,” adding that “the thoughts of everyone at Albion are with Quévin’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.” The club marked his death with a minute of applause in the 25th minute of its match against Burnley, along with players wearing black armbands.
Real Sport Clube, the club Castro had just signed for, called him “a player and beloved member of our sporting family.” Estrela da Amadora, the opponent that day, said afterward that it, too, was mourning his death.
Castro’s career
Castro was born on August 16, 2001, in the Lisbon area of Portugal and came up through Sporting CP’s youth academy before moving to England at around age 16, where he grew up in Thetford, Norfolk, attending The Thetford Academy while he spent time in Chelsea’s and West Bromwich Albion’s youth systems. After his spell at West Brom, he had loan stints at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead, and later played for Chippenham Town, Cambridge City, Eastbourne Borough and Thetford Town.
Career timeline
- August 16, 2001 — Born in the Lisbon area of Portugal
- 2021 — Signs for West Bromwich Albion; makes senior debut in a Carabao Cup match against Arsenal
- February 2022 — Makes his only league appearance for West Brom, as a substitute against Swansea City
- 2023 — Leaves West Brom for good and signs for York City
- 2024 — Loan spell at King’s Lynn Town from York City
- 2026 — Returns to Portugal and signs for Real Sport Clube
- August 22, 2026 — Collapses during a pre-season friendly against Estrela da Amadora and dies after being taken to hospital