Paulo Bento is a Portuguese professional football manager who coaches the South Korea National Football Team. He is a former professional player who played for Portugal. The 53-year-old’s net worth is $5 million.
Here we look closely at Bento’s net worth, salary earnings, career, record, wife, and more.
About Paulo Bento
Paulo Jorge Gomes Bento was born on 20 June 1969, in Lisbon, Portugal. He is a former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.
Bento played for Portugal in a World Cup and a Euro Championship. He also played for two major Portuguese clubs – Benfica and Sporting CP.
As a Manager, Bento managed the Portugal national team in the 2014 World Cup. The Portuguese tactician is leading South Korea in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Playing Career
Paulo Bento earned 35 caps for Portugal (1992-2002). He played in the 2002 FIFA World Cup for his nation in Korea and Japan. Bento also played for his nation in the Euro 2000.
He played 49 league games for Benfica (1994-1996) and scored 2 goals. The defensive midfielder spent 4 years at the Spanish club Real Oviedo and played 136 league games, helping the club to stay in the top tier, La Liga.
Bento was a part of the star-studded squad of Sporting CP that won the 2001-02 Primeira Liga and Taca de Portugal. He played 92 league games for Sporting CP (2000-2004).
Coaching Career
Paulo Bento took charge of the Portugal national team after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, following the dismissal of head coach Queiroz.
The tactician led Portugal to the Euro 2012 semi-finals, where they lost to the eventual champions Spain on penalties.
Bento helped his nation to qualify for the 2014 World Cup through the playoffs victory over Sweden. However, Paulo Bento failed to lead Portugal to the knockouts of that tournament, despite winning against Ghana and a draw with the USA. He was replaced by Fernando Santos following that failure.
In the FIFA World Cup 2022, the Portuguese tactician is leading Son Heung-min and co. as the head coach. Bento’s troops held Uruguay in a 0-0 draw in their opening game. They would play Ghana and Portugal in Group H.
He took charge of the team on 17 August 2018. His contract will expire after the World Cup 2022.
Paulo Bento also managed Sporting CP (2005-2009) and Olympiacos (2016-2017). He led Sporting CP to win 2×Taca de Portugal titles.
Paulo Bento’s Net Worth Details
South Korea head coach Paulo Bento’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. As the head coach, he earns a decent salary.
Bento earns a $1.35 million salary per year as the head coach of South Korea. The Portuguese tactician’s contract with the nation will expire after the World Cup 2022.
Given the team’s performance in the tournament, he could sign a contract extension.
Bento’s Salary Per Year
| Year | Team | Yearly Salary |
| 2022 | South Korea | $1.35 million |
| 2021 | South Korea | $1.35 million |
| 2020 | South Korea | $1.35 million |
| 2019 | South Korea | $1.35 million |
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Paulo Jorge Gomes Bento |
| Current Team | South Korea (Head Coach) |
| Date of Birth | 20 June 1969 |
| Age | 53 |
| Height | 174 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
| Birthplace | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Salary | $1.35 million yearly |
| Relationship | Married |
| Spouse | Teresa Bento |
Coaching Tactics
South Korea’s boss Paulo Bento deploys both 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations depending on the opponent, situation, and his players. He plays a 4-man backline with the full-backs getting the freedom of making forward runs.
Wife
The Portuguese tactician Paulo’s lovely wife is Teresa Bento. They have been together forever, marrying in 1992. They are blessed with two daughters, Sofia (29) and Marta (25).
Coaching Stats
| Team | Year | Match | Win | Draw | Loss |
| South Korea | 2018 – Present | 54 | 34 | 13 | 7 |
| Portugal | 2010 – 2014 | 47 | 26 | 12 | 9 |
Achievements as a Manager
Portugal
- Euro Semi-finals: 2012
South Korea
- EAFF E-1 Football Championship: 2019
Olympiacos
- Super League Greece: 2016-17
Sporting CP
- Taca de Portugal: 2006-07, 2007-08
FAQs
Who is Paulo Bento?
Paulo Bento is a Portuguese football manager and former professional player, known for his roles in managing several national and club teams.
When and where was Paulo Bento born?
Paulo Bento was born in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 20, 1969.
What position did Paulo Bento play during his career?
During his playing career, Paulo Bento was a defensive midfielder.
Which clubs did Paulo Bento play for?
Paulo Bento played for several clubs, including Estrela da Amadora, Vitória Guimarães, Benfica, Real Oviedo, and Sporting CP.
Which teams has Paulo Bento managed?
Paulo Bento has managed several teams, including Sporting CP, the Portuguese national team, Cruzeiro, Olympiacos, Chongqing Lifan, and the South Korean national team.
What are some notable achievements in Paulo Bento’s coaching career?
Paulo Bento led Sporting CP to win 2 Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) titles and 2 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup) titles. He also guided Portugal to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2012.
What style of play does Paulo Bento emphasize as a coach?
Paulo Bento is known for his disciplined and organized approach. He emphasizes a strong defensive structure and efficient transition play.
His teams often focus on tactical rigor and cohesive teamwork.
Has Paulo Bento received any individual awards or recognitions as a coach?
Paulo Bento has received recognition for his coaching achievements, particularly his success with Sporting CP and the Portuguese national team.
While individual awards have been limited, his contributions to football have been well-regarded.
What challenges has Paulo Bento faced as a coach?
Paulo Bento has faced challenges such as managing expectations with the Portuguese national team, dealing with high-pressure environments, and achieving consistency with various club teams in different leagues.
What are Paulo Bento’s future aspirations in football?
Paulo Bento aims to continue his coaching career, potentially taking on new challenges with club or national teams.
He remains focused on achieving success and developing competitive teams capable of performing at the highest levels.
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