Born in Lamego, Viseu District, Álvaro made his Primeira Liga debut in 1980 with Académica de Coimbra, moving subsequently to S.L.

[2] After two seasons he became first choice, as the Lisbon club went on to win four leagues and as many Taça de Portugal (three consecutive in the latter competition) while making more than 200 official appearances.

[3][4] In June 1990, after only totalling 13 games in his last two seasons – Benfica also appeared in two European Cup finals during that timeframe, but he was only a fringe player – Álvaro left and signed with neighbours C.F.

[5] From 2003 to 2005, Magalhães was assistant manager at Benfica under José Antonio Camacho and Giovanni Trapattoni respectively, winning the league title in the second season.

[6] In the latter part of the decade he had spells in Romania and Angola, being Girabola champion with G.D. Interclube for the second time in the Luanda club's history.