Mourinho Breaks Down in Tears Before Benfica vs Vitoria Guimaraes Clash
- Benfica coach José Mourinho mourned the loss of Silvino Louro before the match against Vitoria SC
- The veteran Portuguese goalkeeping coach passed away at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness
- High-profile figures, including John Terry and Julio César, were among those who paid Louro tribute
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It was an emotional scene for Jose Mourinho moments before kick-off in the Benfica versus Vitória de Guimarães clash on March 21, 2026.
The Portuguese coach struggled to hold back tears during a minute’s silence for Silvino Louro, a former goalkeeper and long-time member of his coaching staff.
Source: Getty Images
The entire Estádio da Luz fell silent to honour Louro, who passed away at the age of 67 following a long period of illness.
A respected goalkeeper in Portugal who also earned caps for the national team, he later spent nearly two decades as a goalkeeping coach alongside Mourinho.
Their journey began at FC Porto and continued across some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.
Mourinho in tears before Benfica game
Given their close bond, it was no surprise that Mourinho was overcome with emotion.
In a video shared on social media, the Benfica gaffer was visibly shaken, eyes reddened, as he looked up at the big screen displaying a tribute image of his late friend.
After observing the tribute, Mourinho returned to the dugout, attempting to compose himself as he wiped away tears before focusing on the match.
See the post on X below:
Silvino Louro was a top-class goalkeeper in Portuguese football, beginning his career at Vitória Setúbal in 1977, before moving to Vitória de Guimarães and then Benfica.
He retired in 2000, at the age of 40, having also played for Porto and Salgueiros.
The late Louro made 408 appearances in the Portuguese top flight, while representing the national team in 23 matches.
José Mourinho, top stars mourn Silvino Louro
Mourinho shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, posting black and white images alongside a heartfelt message.
"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."
According to the Daily Mail, the Special One was not alone in mourning Louro, with several of his former players, many of whom had worked closely with the veteran coach, also paying tribute.
John Terry, who captained Chelsea during that era, wrote:
"RIP My friend. What a great man."
Iconic goalkeeper Petr Čech also paid tribute, sharing a photo from their time together:
"R.I.P."
Fellow goalkeeping legend David de Gea reacted with a heartfelt emoji tribute.
Source: Getty Images
Louro's former clubs also honoured his memory, with Inter Milan posting on their website:
"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."
Real Madrid also posted a statement:
"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."
Louro’s passing leaves a deep void, not only for those who worked closely with him but also for a generation of goalkeepers shaped by his quiet expertise.
Mourinho fumes after 'traitor' insults
YEN.com.gh also previously reported that Jose Mourinho reacted angrily to being called a traitor by an FC Porto assistant coach on March 8.
The incident came after a 2-2 draw between Benfica and the Dragões, a club that The Special One managed between 2002 and 2004.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
