Silvino Louro passes away aged 67

Silvino Louro, the highly respected Portuguese goalkeeping coach whose career spanned more than two decades at Europe’s elite clubs, has died at the age of 67. News of his passing was confirmed earlier today, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the clubs and players whose careers he helped shape.

A former goalkeeper who began his playing career in Portugal with Benfica and Porto, Louro transitioned seamlessly into coaching after hanging up his gloves. In 2000 he returned to Porto as goalkeeping coach, a move that marked the start of a long and fruitful collaboration with manager José Mourinho. When Mourinho moved to Chelsea in 2004, Louro followed, beginning a journey that would take the pair to Inter Milan, Real Madrid, a second stint at Chelsea, and finally Manchester United.

United brought Louro to Old Trafford in 2016 as part of Mourinho’s backroom staff. Over the next three seasons he oversaw a goalkeeping unit that included David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira. During his tenure the club secured three trophies in the 2016-17 campaign: the FA Community Shield, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

Manchester United paid tribute to Louro on their official website: “Manchester United is saddened to learn our former goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro has passed away at the age of 67. The Portuguese joined the club in 2016 after the appointment of José Mourinho. Silvino had previously worked closely with our former manager at Chelsea, Real Madrid, Internazionale and Porto. Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Similar messages of condolence have been issued by Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Chelsea, underscoring the breadth of Louro’s impact across the continent. He concluded his coaching career in 2021 with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, leaving behind a legacy of meticulous preparation, technical insight and a gift for nurturing goalkeepers at the highest level.

Silvino Louro, former goalkeeper, pioneering coach and trusted lieutenant to some of the game’s most successful managers, will be remembered for his quiet influence behind the scenes and the silverware his teams collected along the way.