Real Sport Clube midfielder Quevin Castro dies at 25 after collapsing in friendly against Estrela da Amadora
The 25-year-old Portuguese-English midfielder fell unconscious during a Saturday pre-season match in Malveira, prompting emergency resuscitation on the pitch before his death was confirmed at a hospital.
Medical emergency on the pitch
Portuguese-English midfielder Quevin Castro died on Saturday morning after collapsing during a pre-season friendly match between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora. The match took place at Estadio das Seixas in Malveira, with kickoff scheduled for 11:30. Between the 10th and 14th minutes of play, the 25-year-old athlete notified the referee that he was feeling unwell before falling unconscious onto the turf. Medical personnel from both teams rushed onto the field immediately, with Estrela da Amadora staff deploying an on-site defibrillator to attempt resuscitation without obtaining a response.
National medical emergency personnel from INEM arrived at the stadium approximately five minutes later to assist the player. Emergency responders and the Bombeiros Voluntarios da Malveira then transported Castro to a local hospital, where medical staff confirmed his death. The sudden incident cut short the match as players and staff gathered in distress.
- Friendly match between Real SC and Estrela da Amadora begins at Estadio das Seixas
- Castro informs the referee he feels unwell and collapses on the pitch
- Club medical staff administer emergency treatment using an on-site defibrillator
- INEM paramedics arrive at the stadium to continue resuscitation efforts
- Bombeiros Voluntarios da Malveira transport Castro to the hospital where death is confirmed
Club response and tributes
Following the confirmation of his death, Real Sport Clube issued an official communication mourning the loss of the midfielder, who had joined the squad ahead of the 2026–2027 season. The board expressed grief over the sudden passing of the footballer before he could make his competitive league debut for the Massama-based team.
Quevin Castro was much more than a player, he was an integral part of our family, leaving indelible marks on everyone who knew him, on and off the pitch. In this moment of grief, Real Sport Clube - Futebol, SAD extends its most sincere condolences to the family and to all friends of Quevin Castro, expressing its full solidarity and unconditional support. May the memory of Quevin Castro remain alive in the hearts of all of us. Rest in peace.
Football career across two countries
Castro developed his football foundation across both Portugal and the English league pyramid. He spent time in the Sporting CP academy and competed in the youth ranks of Linda-a-Velha during the 2016–2017 season. He then moved to England in the 2017–2018 campaign to join Bury Town, followed by a transfer to Thetford in 2018–2019. Prior to his return to Portugal with Real SC, Castro played in England for Eastbourne Borough. In July 2026, the midfielder had also given an interview to Radio France Internationale discussing the football World Cup tournament.
Disrupted league schedule leading to the fixture
The friendly fixture on 22 August was arranged after a series of postponements affected Real SC in Serie 4 of the Campeonato de Portugal, where the team aims to secure promotion to Liga 3. The club had been scheduled to open their league campaign on the previous weekend against Santa Clara B in the Azores, but that fixture was rescheduled for 4 October due to the proximity of the calendar draw. A second league match against Serpa was subsequently postponed to 26 September following a viral outbreak within the Serpa squad.
With consecutive league fixtures delayed, Real SC organized the training match against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora, who were also without a weekend league game following the postponement of their fixture against Sporting de Braga.
