Mourinho Pays Emotional Tribute Following Death of Former Manchester United Coach Silvino Louro

Jose Mourinho has paid an emotional tribute to his long-time colleague Silvino Louro, who has died at the age of 67.

Louro, who served as goalkeeping coach at Manchester United during Mourinho’s tenure, passed away on Thursday evening, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the football world.

A trusted member of Mourinho’s backroom staff for many years, Louro worked alongside the Portuguese manager at several top clubs, including FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. His influence extended across some of the most successful periods of Mourinho’s career.

A former goalkeeper for Benfica, Louro also played a key role in developing some of the modern game’s most accomplished goalkeepers, including David De Gea, Petr Cech and Iker Casillas.

Mourinho shared a poignant message on Instagram, accompanied by black-and-white photographs of the pair, expressing both grief and gratitude for their enduring friendship.

“Now I cry, but I will be able to laugh again — laugh a lot, talk about you, and remember every moment,” he wrote.
“In the Mourinho family, you are loved and you will live on. I will continue to hear you before every match saying, ‘bro, it is going to be fine’. Rest peacefully, little hands.”

Several former players and colleagues responded to the tribute, including John Terry, Nemanja Matic, Robbie Keane, Antonio Valencia, Sergio Romero and Shay Given. Former goalkeeper Julio Cesar described the news as “hard to believe”, while former Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia also paid her respects.

Cesar, who worked under Louro at Inter Milan between 2008 and 2010, enjoyed notable success during that period, including being named UEFA’s Best Goalkeeper. He was one of three players to receive that honour under Louro’s guidance, alongside Vitor Baia at Porto and Cech at Chelsea.

Manchester United paid tribute in an official statement, highlighting Louro’s contribution during his time at the club.

“During nearly three seasons at United, Silvino oversaw a close-knit goalkeeping group including David De Gea, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone and Joel Pereira.
He was part of the squad that secured three trophies in the 2016/17 season — the FA Community Shield, League Cup and UEFA Europa League. Our thoughts are with Silvino’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Chelsea also expressed their condolences, stating:

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of our former goalkeeping coach, Silvino Louro. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Louro enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning more than two decades, representing clubs such as Benfica, FC Porto, Vitoria Setubal, Vitoria Guimaraes, Desportivo Aves and Salgueiros before retiring in 2000 at the age of 41. He also earned 23 caps for the Portugal national team.

Benfica issued a heartfelt statement in honour of their former player:

“Benfica expresses its deepest sorrow at the passing of Silvino. A former goalkeeper for both the club and the national team, he will forever remain in the memory of our supporters as a defining figure of a generation that proudly represented the badge.
To his family and friends, we extend our most sincere condolences.”