Portuguese midfielder Kevin Castro, who previously played for English professional football club West Bromwich Albion, has passed away at the early age of 25 after collapsing during a friendly match.

The Lisbon Football Association and his club announced the news of Castro's passing today.

Castro, who played for the Portuguese third-tier club Real SC, was competing in a friendly match against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora held at the Estadio das Seixas in Malveira, Portugal, on the 22nd local time when he collapsed in the first half and ultimately passed away.

The specific cause of death has not been disclosed.

Castro joined the West Brom academy in 2021 and subsequently made his first-team debut against Arsenal in the League Cup (Carabao Cup).

In February 2022, he made his first appearance in the EFL Championship (second tier).

He was later loaned to Burton Albion and Notts County. After leaving West Brom in the summer of 2023, he continued his playing career with lower-tier English clubs and others.

He then joined Real SC last June, preparing for the new season back in his home country of Portugal.

West Brom announced that they plan to hold a moment of silence with the fans in the 25th minute of the first half during their Championship home match against Burnley on the 23rd to honor Castro.

West Brom players will wear black armbands for the match.

(Photo: West Brom club social media, Yonhap News)