Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quévin Castro has died aged 25 after collapsing during a friendly match in Malveira, Portugal, on Saturday.
Castro was playing for Portuguese club Real Massamá against Estrela da Amadora when he felt unwell during the opening ten minutes of the fixture and fell to the pitch without regaining consciousness, prompting the immediate cancellation of the game.
Medical personnel from both clubs rushed onto the field to provide urgent care to the midfielder. Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that emergency staff used a defibrillator on the pitch during efforts to revive him.
Castro was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where medical staff were unable to save his life and confirmed his death shortly after arrival.
Tributes from Portuguese and English clubs
Estrela da Amadora issued a statement following the match expressing deep sorrow over Castro's death. The club extended its condolences to his family, friends, and everyone associated with Real Massamá, with both media outlets reproducing the message as shock spread through Portuguese football.
The midfielder had moved to Portugal to join Real Massamá ahead of the current season following several years competing in the English football system.
In England, multiple former clubs and teammates published messages of condolence remembering Castro's time in British football.
Career across the English league system
Castro spent his early development in youth academies at Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion before embarking on a career across lower tiers of English football.
During his time in England, the midfielder had spells with Burton Albion, Notts County, Gateshead, York City, King’s Lynn Town, Chippenham Town, and Eastbourne Borough. His journey across several English Football League and National League clubs reflected the path taken by many young players working to establish themselves in senior competitive football.
Focus on medical protocols in professional sport
Castro's death has renewed focus on episodes of sudden collapse during athletic activities. Sports health specialists highlighted the need to strengthen emergency medical care and preventive health protocols across competitive matches and friendly fixtures, particularly in environments involving intense physical demand.
