Football World Mourns Passing of Silvino Louro, Legendary Goalkeeping Coach and Former Chelsea & Manchester United Figure

 The football community is in deep sorrow following the passing of Silvino Louro, the respected Portuguese goalkeeping coach and former player, who has died at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness.

The devastating news was first announced by Real Madrid, where Louro served as goalkeeping coach from 2010 to 2013 under José Mourinho. In an official statement, the club expressed profound regret: “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Silvino Louro, Real Madrid’s goalkeeping coach from 2010 to 2013. During the three seasons he was part of Real Madrid’s coaching staff under José Mourinho, Silvino Louro won 1 La Liga, 1 Copa del Rey, and 1 Supercopa de España.”

Born Silvino de Almeida Louro on March 5, 1959, in Setúbal, Portugal, he enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a goalkeeper spanning over two decades. Louro represented clubs including Vitória de Setúbal, Vitória de Guimarães, Benfica, and Porto, amassing 408 appearances across 21 Primeira Liga seasons before retiring in his 40s.

Transitioning seamlessly into coaching, Louro became a trusted long-time collaborator of José Mourinho, serving as goalkeeping coach across multiple elite clubs. His journey with Mourinho began at Porto, where he contributed to early successes, before moving to:

• Chelsea (2004–2007), where he worked with Petr Čech during a highly successful period that included multiple Premier League titles and the 2005 UEFA Champions League triumph.
• Internazionale (2008–2010), playing a key role in the Nerazzurri’s historic Treble-winning season in 2010.
• Real Madrid (2010–2013), helping shape the goalkeeping department amid La Liga and domestic cup victories.
• Manchester United (2016–2018), overseeing a talented group including David de Gea, Sergio Romero, and others, contributing to the 2017 UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup wins.

Louro’s expertise earned widespread acclaim, with several goalkeepers under his guidance—such as Vítor Baía, Petr Čech, and Júlio César—receiving UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper award.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Manchester United stated: “We are saddened to learn our former goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro has passed away. Our thoughts go out to Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.” Inter Milan expressed condolences for their former associate during the Treble era, while former players and colleagues remembered his professionalism, dedication, and warmth.

Silvino Louro’s legacy endures as one of Portugal’s most accomplished goalkeeping specialists, whose influence spanned elite European football for decades.

The football family extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Silvino Louro 🕊️.