[Exclusive] Coach Paulo Bento applies for next South Korean national team head coach position

*This content was translated by AI.

Following the disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, Paulo Bento (Portugal), who led South Korea to a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has emerged as a leading candidate for the next head coach of the South Korean national team.

Multiple sources familiar with the national team's situation recently told StarNews that Coach Bento has applied for the position of head coach of the South Korean national team. Based on this newspaper's investigation, it was confirmed that several foreign coaches, including Coach Bento, are showing interest in the role.

South Korean football is currently caught in a whirlwind. After finishing with one win and two losses in the 2026 World Cup group stage, suffering the humiliation of ranking 34th overall, coach Hong Myung-bo abruptly resigned, and Jeong Mong-gyu (Chairman) had already announced his intention to resign before the World Cup began. With both administrative and tactical leadership positions facing vacancy, South Korean football is at a critical juncture requiring major innovation and strong leadership.

Moreover, with the 2027 AFC Asian Cup scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia next January, there is absolutely insufficient time for a new coach to familiarize himself with the team. In a situation where it is essential for a head coach who already understands the current state of South Korean football without needing to adapt to a new environment, Coach Bento's application aligns with this practical alternative.

Coach Bento was a manager who earned deep trust from South Korean football fans, earning the nickname "Ben-Beogi." He took charge as the South Korean national team coach in August 2018 and led the team until December 2022, setting a record for the longest-serving head coach in the team's history.

Notably, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he wrote a drama by defeating his own country, Portugal, and led South Korea to its second-ever away Round of 16 appearance in national team history. He was praised for successfully implementing his unique build-up style that maintained initiative even against strong opponents. His win rate while leading the Gi Gan (CEO) team during his tenure reached 61.4% (35 wins, 13 draws, 9 losses).

Coach Bento, whose contract renewal with the Korea Football Association failed due to mismatched conditions immediately after the Qatar World Cup, took charge of the United Arab Emirates national team in July 2023, embarking on a challenge in the Middle East. While managing the UAE national team, he recorded 14 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses (win rate 53.9%) across 26 matches. However, just less than 24 hours after defeating North Korea 2-1 in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup last March, he received a sudden dismissal notice from the UAE Football Association that resulted in the firing of all staff members, and has since been living as a private citizen.

Furthermore, Coach Bento recently expressed his unwavering affection and trust in South Korean football through an interview with domestic media. He stated, "Although this is a very difficult time, I have no doubt that the players will overcome these trials and bring joy to the people again."

Regarding Son Heung-min (LAFC), he said, "He is the most outstanding player among those I have coached, possessing the finest professional mindset." He emphasized, "No one knows better than me what kind of feelings Son Heung-min holds for his homeland and what it means to him to play as a national team player."

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*This content was translated by AI.