A 25‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder died suddenly on Tuesday after collapsing during a preseason friendly for Real Sport Clube in the Lisbon suburbs. The match, held at the Estádio das Seixas in Malveira, pitted the home side against Estrela de Amadora, and the player’s collapse was witnessed by teammates, coaches and a small crowd of onlookers.
The Lisbon Football Association and Real Sport Clube issued a joint statement confirming the tragedy, describing Castro as a dedicated professional and a beloved member of the squad. They noted that emergency services were called immediately, but despite rapid medical attention he could not be revived.
West Bromwich Albion, the English Premier League club where Castro had begun his senior career, expressed profound sorrow and announced a tribute for the late player. During their upcoming fixture against Burnley, the team observed a moment of applause in the 25th minute and wore black armbands as a mark of respect.
A community mourns
Castro had arrived in England as a teenager in 2021, signing a professional contract with Albion and making his first‑team debut in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal. After a series of loan spells at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead, he was released in 2023 and returned to Portugal, where he continued his career with a number of lower‑division clubs before rejoining Real Sport Clube.
Former teammates and coaches have spoken of Castro’s infectious enthusiasm and his habit of greeting everyone as a family member. They recalled his relentless work ethic on the training ground and his willingness to help younger players, qualities that left a lasting impression on everyone who shared the dressing room.