Quevin Castro: Young footballer dies after collapsing during a match

The football world has been thrown into mourning after former West Brom midfielder Quevin Castro died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a match in Portugal.

Castro fell to the ground during the first half of third-tier Real Sport Clube’s friendly against top-flight side Estrela de Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) said that Castro “passed away this morning during the pre-season friendly”.

Quevin Castro’s football journey was one of perseverance, movement across the English football pyramid and a determination to establish himself as a professional midfielder.

Born Quévin Moisés Cachicote da Rocha de Castro in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 16, 2001, Castro began his football education at the renowned Sporting CP academy before moving to England, where he would spend much of his playing career.

Standing at 1.93 metres tall, the central midfielder developed his career through a mixture of academy football, non-league experience, professional opportunities and loan spells.

From Sporting CP to Norfolk

Castro started out in Portugal with Sporting CP before relocating to England and settling in Thetford, Norfolk. He attended The Thetford Academy while continuing his development on the football pitch.

His first significant senior experience came outside the professional leagues. Between 2017 and 2019, he played 43 times for Thetford Town, scoring twice.

He subsequently represented Mildenhall Town, Leiston, Bury Town and Norwich CBS during a period in which he continued working towards a breakthrough in professional football.

His performances earned him opportunities to train or trial with several clubs, including Ipswich Town, Sutton United, Arsenal, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion.

West Bromwich Albion breakthrough

The breakthrough eventually arrived in 2021 when Castro secured a two-year contract with Championship side West Bromwich Albion following his trial.

He made his competitive debut for the Baggies on August 25, 2021, starting in a League Cup second-round match against Arsenal. West Brom suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat, but the appearance marked an important milestone in Castro’s career.

His opportunities in league football were limited, however. He made his Championship debut on February 28, 2022, coming off the bench during West Brom’s 2-0 defeat against Swansea City.

Seeking regular playing time, Castro was sent out on loan.

Loan spells and National League experience

In July 2022, Castro joined Burton Albion on a season-long loan. The arrangement was brought to an end by mutual agreement in September.

He soon found another opportunity, joining Notts County on loan in September 2022. During his time with the National League club, he made 14 appearances and scored four goals.

After that spell ended, Castro joined Gateshead on loan for the remainder of the 2022–23 season, although his time there produced just one appearance.

These moves reflected the path Castro had taken throughout his career, regularly moving between clubs in search of opportunities to play consistently and continue developing.

York City and King’s Lynn

After his West Bromwich Albion contract expired, Castro secured a permanent move to York City in June 2023.

He made 14 league appearances for York during the 2023–24 campaign, scoring once.

In January 2024, he moved temporarily to King’s Lynn Town, joining the National League North club on an initial one-month loan. He made his debut the following day, entering as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Hereford.

His time at York came to an end in May 2024 when his contract was cancelled.

Later years in England

Castro continued his career in the lower levels of English football.

He joined Chippenham Town in July 2025, but the agreement was terminated by mutual consent in October of that year.

A month later, he moved to Cambridge City, where he made 18 appearances and scored three goals.

His performances earned him another move in March 2026 when he signed for Eastbourne Borough. There, he found the net three times in six appearances.

Return to Portugal

After spending most of his senior career in England, Castro returned to his country of birth in June 2026.

On June 29, he signed for Real Sport Clube, marking a return to Portuguese football after years spent climbing through England’s football divisions.

However, his return was cut tragically short. Castro died in Lisbon on Saturday, August 22, 2026, just two days before his 25th birthday. He had not made an official appearance for Real Sport Clube.

At the time of his death, he was only 25 and had recently begun a new chapter with Real Sport Clube, leaving behind a career shaped by determination, frequent moves and a sustained desire to keep playing the game he had pursued since his youth.