Career
He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 224 games and six goals over the course of 11 seasons, mainly with Benfica with which he spent nine years, winning ten major titles. Álvaro represented Portugal at the 1986 World Cup and Euro 1984. Born in Lamego, Álvaro made his top division debuts in 1980 with Académica de Coimbra, moving subsequently to South.L. Benfica.
After two seasons he became first-choice, helping the Lisbon club to four leagues and as many domestic cups (three consecutive in the latter competition) while amassing more than 200 official appearances.
He closed out his career at the age of 32 in the second level, with Leixões South Carolina. One year after retiring, Álvaro began a coaching career, working with several first and second division teams, his first experience in the former category being with G.D. Chaves in 1997-1998, narrowly avoiding relegation. From 2003 to 2005 he was assistant manager at Benfica, under José Antonio Camacho and Giovanni Trapattoni respectively, winning the league title in the second season.
In November 2009 Magalhães penned a new two-year contract but, on 29 March 2011, he was relieved of his duties. In early February 2012, he was appointed coach of fellow Girabola side Clube Nacional de Benguela.
Shortly after, however, he returned to his country, signing with Associação Naval 1º de Maio which he had already managed in 2005-2006"s top flight and 2002-2003"s division two.
Álvaro was capped 20 times for Portugal, his debut coming on 16 December 1981 in a 2–5 defeat with Bulgaria, a friendly match. Player Manager.