Former King’s Lynn Town midfielder Quevin Castro has died at the age of 25 after falling ill during a pre-season training match in Portugal.

The Portuguese footballer, who spent part of the 2023-24 season on loan at the Linnets from York City, was playing for Real Sport Clube in a friendly against Primeira Liga side Estrela da Amadora on Saturday when he became unwell just 10 minutes into the game.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Castro received immediate medical attention on the pitch from a doctor associated with Estrela da Amadora, who used a defibrillator before emergency medical services arrived.

Former King's Lynn Town midfielder Quevin Castro. Picture: Tim Smith — Former King’s Lynn Town midfielder Quevin Castro. Picture: Tim Smith

He was subsequently taken to hospital but sadly passed away.

The news has sent shockwaves through the football community on both sides of the Channel, with tributes expected from former clubs, team-mates and supporters who followed his career.

Castro, whose full name was Quévin Moisés Cachicote da Rocha de Castro, was born in Lisbon.

He developed through the renowned Sporting CP youth academy before moving to England, where he built a career that took him from grassroots and non-league football to the professional game.

Raised in Thetford, Norfolk, Castro represented several local clubs including Thetford Town, Mildenhall Town, Leiston, Bury Town and Norwich CBS.

His performances attracted the attention of several professional clubs and he enjoyed trial spells with Ipswich Town, Sutton United, Arsenal and Chelsea before earning a move to West Bromwich Albion in 2021.

The powerful and energetic central midfielder made his senior debut for the Baggies in an EFL Cup tie against Arsenal and later appeared in the Championship.

Loan spells followed at Burton Albion, Notts County and Gateshead as he sought regular first-team football.

After leaving West Bromwich Albion, Castro joined National League side York City in the summer of 2023.

During his time with the Minstermen, he made 14 appearances and scored once before moving to King’s Lynn Town on loan in January 2024.

His arrival at The Walks provided a boost to Lynn’s midfield options during the second half of the National League North campaign. Castro made his debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw at Hereford and went on to make eight appearances for the club.

One of the highlights of his spell in Norfolk came in March 2024 when he scored in King’s Lynn’s impressive 3-1 victory over South Shields.

The goal proved to be his only strike for the club.

Following his departure from York City, Castro continued his career in non-league football with Chippenham Town and Cambridge City before joining Eastbourne Borough in 2026.

He enjoyed a productive spell on the south coast, scoring three goals in six appearances, which earned him a move back to his homeland with Real Sport Clube.

Castro was widely regarded as an energetic box-to-box midfielder who influenced games with both his physical presence and technical ability.

His football journey reflected resilience and perseverance, progressing from local non-league pitches to the professional ranks through hard work and determination.

Away from football, Castro came from a proud sporting family.

Born to a Santomean father and an Angolan mother, he was one of several footballing brothers, with Rudy, Valter Rocha and Aires all involved in the game.

Rudy and Valter have played for both Downham Town and Thetford Town, with the latter currently on the books of Fakenham Town in the Isthmian League North.

His death at such a young age is a devastating loss to family, friends, team-mates and the many clubs he represented throughout his career.