The Incident

Portuguese midfielder Quévin Castro, 25, died during a pre-season friendly for Real Sport Clube against Estrela Amadora at Estádio das Seixas, Malveira, on 22 August 2026. At 10 minutes into the first half, Castro suffered a sudden collapse, fell unconscious, and was immediately assisted by medical staff from both clubs. Estrela used a defibrillator in an attempt to revive him, but without success. The player was taken to hospital, where his death was confirmed.

Teams’ Reactions

Real Sport Clube and the Lisbon Football Association announced Castro’s death, describing him as “a member of our family” and “who left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the field.” The club posted on social media: “Quevin Castro was more than a player, he was a member of our family, leaving a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, both on and off the field.”

West Bromwich Albion, Castro’s former club in England, expressed being “devastated” by the “premature passing” of the player. The club announced it would pay tribute with a period of applause at the 25th minute of the match against Burnley, scheduled for the following Sunday, when players will also wear black armbands.

Castro’s Career

Quévin Castro joined the Baggies as a teenager in 2021 and made his first-team debut in a League Cup match against Arsenal. He played his first official match for the club in February 2022 and was later loaned to Burton, Notts County, and Gateshead before leaving The Hawthorns in summer 2023.

After leaving Albion, Castro played for York City, King's Lynn, Chippenham, Cambridge City, and Eastbourne, before returning to Portugal, where he joined Real Sport Clube this season. Prior to arriving at the Portuguese club, he had played for Gateshead and Eastbourne Borough, both amateur teams in England.

The Legacy

The death of Quévin Castro shocked the Portuguese sports press and elicited mourning across the football world. West Bromwich Albion will pay tribute in the upcoming match against Burnley, with a 25-minute pause and black armbands worn by the players.