Real Madrid Appoints João Tralhão as Assistant Manager Under José Mourinho

Real Madrid has finalized the appointment of Portuguese coach João Tralhão as assistant manager, aligning him with head coach José Mourinho on a long-term contract extending to June 30, 2029.

The appointment, first reported by Managing Madrid, marks a significant step in assembling Mourinho’s backroom staff for his latest project at the Santiago Bernabéu. Tralhão, represented by ISM International Soccer Management, is scheduled to officially assume his duties on July 1, 2026, ahead of the club’s pre-season campaign.

The move reunites Tralhão with Mourinho, following their previous collaborations in Turkey and Portugal. The duo first worked together during a brief tenure at Fenerbahçe during the 2025-26 season. Shortly after their departure from Istanbul, Tralhão followed Mourinho to Benfica in September 2025, where they coached together for 45 matches, establishing a strong professional partnership.

Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid brings back one of the most high-profile managers in the club’s modern history. During his previous tenure between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho led the club to a record-breaking La Liga title in the 2011-12 season, accumulating 100 points and breaking the single-season scoring record with 121 goals. His current rebuilding effort focuses on establishing a highly structured and loyal coaching staff.

Tralhão, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, brings nearly two decades of coaching experience, largely defined by his extensive work in youth development. Born in Lisbon in 1980, he spent 16 years within Benfica’s prestigious academy system. Joining as an Under-17 assistant in 2002, he eventually rose to manage Benfica’s team in the UEFA Youth League between 2013 and 2018. Under his leadership, Benfica reached the tournament’s final in 2014, losing to Barcelona, and recorded a notable 11-1 victory over Galatasaray in 2015.

His transition to senior football saw him gain experience across several major European leagues. He served as an assistant to Thierry Henry at Ligue 1 side AS Monaco during the 2018-19 season, followed by a head coaching spell at Portuguese side Vilafranquense. Tralhão then worked as an assistant to Nuri Şahin, first at Antalyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig and later at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, where the pair coached for 27 matches during the first half of the 2024-25 season.

Tralhão’s extensive background in youth development is expected to play a key role in his responsibilities at Real Madrid. The club has increasingly focused on integrating academy talent from *La Fábrica* alongside high-profile international signings, making Tralhão’s experience in transitioning young players to the senior level a valuable asset for the coaching staff.