Born in
Silves,
Algarve, Bento first represented
S.L. Benfica, but would gain national recognition with
Boavista FC. Already relocated as a
defensive midfielder, he helped them to their only
Primeira Liga championship in the
2000–01 season, adding the 1997
Taça de Portugal. After three years at
Sporting CP, battling with namesake
Paulo Bento for first-choice status and winning another league title in
2002, Bento retired from playing at the age of 32, and started coaching at lowly
Académico de Viseu FC. In summer 2008 he returned to Boavista with the club now in the
second division, and the side eventually
suffered a second consecutive relegation. Bento was appointed at
S.C. Beira-Mar midway through the
2010–11 after taking the place of
Leonardo Jardim, only winning twice in nine top-division games until the end of the campaign (two draws and five losses) but still leading the
Aveiro team away from the relegation zone. He resigned on 26 February 2012. After some time managing the under-23 side of
Al Ahli Saudi FC, Bento signed as manager of
Bangkok United F.C. in January 2014. He left early on in the
Thai Premier League season. On 6 October 2015, Bento returned to Portugal's top flight, succeeding
Vítor Paneira at 16th-placed
C.D. Tondela on a deal to the end of
the campaign. He left by mutual accord on 8 December after earning a solitary point from five matches, placing the club in last position. ==International career==