Former West Brom midfielder Quevin Castro dies at 25

Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after collapsing during a pre-season friendly in Portugal.

Castro was playing for Portuguese club Real Sport Clube against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora at the Estádio das Seixas on Saturday when he collapsed during the first half.

Medical personnel attended to him before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

The Lisbon Football Association confirmed his death, while Real Sport Clube described Castro as more than a player and an important member of the club’s family.

The match was stopped following the incident.

West Bromwich Albion expressed shock over the death, describing the news as devastating.

The Championship club said it would honour Castro before Sunday’s match against Burnley, with players wearing black armbands and supporters observing a period of applause in the 25th minute to mark his age.

Castro joined West Brom in 2021 after impressing during a trial and made his first-team debut against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. He later featured in a Championship match against Swansea City.

He subsequently had loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead before joining York City in 2023. He also played for several other English clubs before returning to Portugal.

Castro celebrated his 25th birthday just six days before his death.

Tributes have continued to pour in from his former clubs, teammates and colleagues, with Estrela da Amadora extending condolences to his family, friends and members of Real Sport Clube.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.