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Manuel BentoLegendary Portuguese football goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 25.07.1948
Country:  Portugal |
Content:
- Manuel Bento: Legendary Portuguese Goalkeeper
- Move to Benfica
- Established as Benfica's Number One
- Club and National Team Success
- Retirement and Coaching
Manuel Bento: Legendary Portuguese Goalkeeper
Early CareerManuel Bento's football journey began at Riachense, a club near Golegã. In 1965, he joined Barreirense, spending four years in the youth team before breaking into the first team in 1969.
Move to Benfica
At 20, Bento rapidly established himself as Barreirense's starting goalkeeper, making 82 league appearances in three seasons. In 1972, he made the move to Benfica, which had José Henrique as its first-choice stopper.
Established as Benfica's Number One
From 1973 to 1976, Bento played sporadically for Benfica. It was not until the 1976/1977 season, aged 28, that he became the club's undisputed number one goalkeeper.
Club and National Team Success
Bento's time at Benfica was marked by remarkable success. He won 10 Portuguese league titles, six Portuguese Cups, and two Portuguese SuperCups. He also represented the Portuguese national team, making numerous appearances and earning the prestigious award of "Player of the Year" in 1977.
Retirement and Coaching
Bento retired in 1993 at the age of 44. After hanging up his gloves, he remained involved with Benfica as a goalkeeper coach. His legacy as one of Portuguese football's greatest shot-stoppers endures to this day.
