Jose Mourinho worked alongside goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United, with the pair enjoying great success
19:58, 20 Mar 2026Updated 19:58, 20 Mar 2026
Jose Mourinho worked alongside Silvino Louro for years(Image: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho has posted an emotional tribute to Silvino Louro after his long-time associate sadly passed away aged 67. Louro worked as a goalkeeping coach under Mourinho’s management and there was an outpouring of tributes after news of his death broke on Thursday night.
He was a regular fixture on the bench alongside Mourinho during his stints at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. Louro was therefore a part of some of the Portuguese manager’s biggest successes.
A former keeper for Benfica, he worked with some of the modern game’s most celebrated goalkeepers, including David De Gea, Petr Cech and Iker Casillas. Louro was lauded for his work and Mourinho has shared a touching message on Instagram alongside a collection of black and white photos of the two of them.
He wrote: “Now I cry, but I’ll be able to laugh, laugh a lot, talk about you, remember every moment. In the Mourinho family you are loved and you’ll stay alive. I’ll continue to listen to you before each game ‘bro it’s going to be fine’. Rest easy little hands.”
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football’s Facebook page
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel names strict condition for Max Dowman to make England’s World Cup squadREAD MORE: Manager who held talks over Man Utd interim role announces imminent exit
John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Robbie Keane, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Shay Given were among the ex-players to reply. Former goalkeeper Julio Cesar wrote “Hard to believe” while ex-Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia also responded.
Cesar worked under Louro at Inter Milan, where he was between 2008 and 2010. The Brazilian keeper was named UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper during their time together, one of three players to win that award under Louro, including Vitor Baia at Porto and Cech at Chelsea.
United said in a statement: “In nearly three seasons at United, Louro oversaw a tight-knit goalkeeping group that included David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira.
Silvino Louro was with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United(Image: Ellis Rua/Getty Images)
“The former Benfica stopper was notably part of a Reds squad that lifted three trophies in 2016/17 – the FA Community Shield, League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Chelsea added: “Everyone at Chelsea FC is deeply saddened by the passing of our former goalkeeping coach, Silvino Louro. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Louro was a fine player in his own right, enjoying a 23-year career for Benfica, Porto, Vitoria Setubal, Vitoria Guimaraes, Aves and Salgueiros before retiring in 2000 at the age of 41. He won 23 caps for Portugal.
Benfica said: “Benfica expresses its deepest sorrow over the passing of Silvino. Former goalkeeper of the Club and the National Team, he will forever remain in the memory of Benfica fans as a striking figure of a generation that greatly honoured the badge on their chest.
“To the family and friends, the Club extends its most heartfelt condolences.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Content cannot be displayed without consent