João Tralhão has been confirmed as assistant manager at Real Madrid, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2029, according to Managing Madrid. The Portuguese coach joins the Spanish giants after working alongside José Mourinho at both Fenerbahçe and Benfica.
Tralhão was born in Lisbon on September 3, 1980, and holds a UEFA Pro Licence. He spent nearly two decades within the Benfica academy system, beginning as an Under-17 assistant in 2002. He eventually led Benfica’s UEFA Youth League side from 2013 to 2018, achieving notable results including an 11-1 victory over Galatasaray in 2015 and reaching the Youth League final in 2014.
His move into senior football came through several assistant roles, starting with Thierry Henry at AS Monaco in the 2018-19 season. He briefly held the position of head coach at Vilafranquense, managing 17 matches, before serving as Nuri Şahin’s assistant at Antalyaspor and Borussia Dortmund. This experience in Ligue 1, the Süper Lig, and the Bundesliga aligns with Real Madrid’s preference for backroom staff with diverse European competition experience.
Tralhão’s professional relationship with Mourinho began during the 2025-26 season at Fenerbahçe, though both departed the club after a short period. He then reunited with Mourinho at Benfica in September 2025, working with him for 45 matches and solidifying their partnership. This connection ultimately led to Tralhão’s appointment at the Bernabéu.
Mourinho has been carefully assembling his backroom team since taking the Real Madrid job, prioritizing loyalty and familiarity. Tralhão, represented by ISM International Soccer Management, completes a staff built on these principles. He is set to begin work on July 1, 2026, as Mourinho’s pre-season preparations begin. His background in youth development at Benfica suggests he may play a key role in integrating young talent into the first-team setup, offering a potentially valuable asset as Real Madrid balance competitive demands with player development.
