September 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, United States; A typical view of the game ball before the game between the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Currents at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Image The Portland Thorns announced Wednesday the hiring of head coach Robert Villaham.
The 43-year-old Swede most recently coached Tottenham Hotspur in the English Women’s Super League from 2023-25, leading the team to the Women’s FA Cup final in her first season.
Vilahamn replaces Rob Gale, who was fired following a loss in the NWSL playoff semifinals last November.
“Robert has management experience at the highest level of women’s soccer, a strong track record of helping players develop, and will strengthen our team environment by bringing new global perspectives and insights,” said Thorns general manager Jeff Agoos. “His proactive and forward-thinking approach is consistent with the identity and expectations of the Thorns and our supporters, and we look forward to welcoming him to Portland.”
A proven coach heads to the epicenter of women’s sports.
We have named Robert Vilahamn as the next head coach of the Portland Thorns.
More details here: https://t.co/QzM9ZoV4zI pic.twitter.com/Jc5YZTqiZb
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 4, 2026
Vilahamn coached the BK Hacken women’s team in Sweden from 2021-23, qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in both seasons and reaching back-to-back Swedish Cup finals.
The Thorns have made the playoffs in all but one season since joining the NWSL as a founding club in 2013. Portland won the league title in 2013, 2017 and 2022.
“I am very excited and grateful to become the new manager of Portland Thorns,” Villaham said. “The club has everything I look for – a clear ambition to win, an incredible fan base and a strong environment to develop talented players. The NWSL is the most competitive league in the world, and coming to the United States to join the NWSL is an important step in my career. I’m really looking forward to starting the next chapter in Portland.”
–Field level media
