On Wednesday, the Portland Thorns revealed their choice for a new head coach, selecting Robert Vilahamn to lead the women’s soccer franchise.
The 43-year-old coach from Sweden brings recent experience from England’s Women’s Super League, where he guided Tottenham Hotspur from 2023 through 2025. During his initial campaign with Tottenham, Vilahamn successfully steered the club to the Women’s FA Cup championship match.
Vilahamn steps into the role previously held by Rob Gale, who was dismissed following the team’s semifinal defeat in the NWSL playoffs this past November.
General manager Jeff Agoos praised the new appointment, stating: “Robert arrives with managerial experience at the highest levels of the women’s game, possesses a strong track record of helping players grow and will strengthen our team environment by providing new global perspectives and insights. His proactive, front-foot approach aligns with the identity and expectations of the Thorns and our supporters, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portland.”
Before his tenure in England, Vilahamn spent two years directing BK Hacken’s women’s squad in Sweden from 2021 through 2023. Under his guidance, the team earned UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification twice and reached back-to-back Swedish Cup championship games.
Since becoming a charter member of the NWSL in 2013, Portland has qualified for postseason play in all seasons except one. The franchise has captured three league titles, winning championships in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new position, Vilahamn commented: “I’m very excited and thankful to be the new head coach of the Portland Thorns. The club has everything I look for, with a clear ambition to win, an incredible fan base and a strong environment for developing talented players. The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and coming to the U.S. to be part of it is a major step in my career. I’m really looking forward to starting this next chapter in Portland.”
