Former Man United and Chelsea goalkeeper coach dies aged 67: Tributes pour in for Jose Mourinho’s close aide who was tasked with coaching David de Gea and Petr Cech
A former member of Jose Mourinho’s long-term backroom staff member has died aged 67.
Silvino Louro was Mourinho’s trusted goalkeeping coach across two decades – following him at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
News of the Portuguese’s passing emerged on Thursday evening, with reports citing that he succumbed to a prolonged illness.
As a coach, the former Benfica and Portugal goalkeeper has passed on his wisdom to several shot-stoppers who have flourished under his tutelage.
Vitor Baia (2004 – Porto), Petr Cech (2005 and 2007 – Chelsea) and Julio Cesar (2010 – Inter Milan) were all named as UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper while working directly with Louro at the time.
Louro’s relationship with Mourinho proved a successful one, winning silverware at each of the aforementioned clubs that they were at together.
Jose Mourinho’s former goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro has died at the age of 67
Chelsea legends Petr Cech (left) and John Terry (right) were among those who paid tribute
Following news of his death, tributes have poured in for Louro.
Cech took to his Instagram story to share a picture of he and Louro embracing during their time together at Chelsea. Accompanying the caption, it read: ‘R.I.P.’ alongside emojis.
John Terry was the Chelsea captain during that period and the Blues legend was another who paid his respects on social media.
Sharing a photo of Louro, he wrote: ‘RIP My friend. What a great man,’ alongside a blue loveheart.
The loveheart theme was prevalent among another player who was coached by Louro in David de Gea. The Manchester United legend simply put a loveheart and dove emoji.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah was a team-mate of De Gea’s at United and he put two heartbroken emojis upon learning of the news.
Porto reached the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night with a 2-0 win over Stuttgart in the second leg at home to progress 4-1 on aggregate. And after Diogo Costa kept a clean sheet, Porto released a short statement saying that was testament to Louro – who had a playing spell at the club too.
Sharing a picture of him from his playing days, they wrote on X: ‘Diogo Costa’s display honoured Silvino’s memory.’
Inter Milan sent their condolences to his family, stating: ‘FC Internazionale Milano would like to express its condolences on the passing of Silvino de Almeida Louro, the Inter first-team goalkeeping coach from 2008 to 2010.
‘The club’s thoughts are with his family at this sad time.’
Louro was also a coach at Manchester United with David de Gea (second right) paying respect
Real Madrid’s statement began: ‘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.
‘Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences, affection, and sympathy to his family, colleagues, clubs, and all his loved ones.
‘During the three seasons he was part of Real Madrid’s coaching staff under José Mourinho, Silvino Louro won 1 LaLiga, 1 Copa del Rey, and 1 Supercopa de España.
‘Silvino Louro passed away at the age of 67. Rest in peace.’
Manchester United’s sentiments echoed that of their fellow European giants’, putting: ‘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.’
