Daniel David Bent (born 10 January 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for NIFL Premiership side Larne. Born in England, he represents the Gibraltar national football team at international level.
Early life Bent was born on 10 January 1996 in London, England. He grew up in Kent, England.
Club career Early career Dan Bent began his career at Corinthian and made his senior breakthrough at the age of 16, during the 2012–13 season. During his time at Corinthian, he had a trial at Dagenham & Redbridge.Corinthian defender Dan Bent earns trial at Dagenham & Redbridge Kentish Football. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2024. He left Corinthian at the end of the season after being offered a scholarship by Gillingham,Goalkeeper searches for new recruits for Academy that gave Corinthian defender Dan Bent his chance Kentish Football. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2024. staying with the Kent side for two years before leaving to play college soccer in the United States. During his time in America, he also spent time with Columbus Crew U23, as well as PDL sides Dayton Dutch Lions and SC United Bantams.Dayton Dutch Lions - 2016 Regular Season - Roster - Dan Bent USL League Two. Retrieved 28 August 2024.South Carolina United FC - 2018 Regular Season - Roster - Daniel Bent USL League Two. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
College career In 2015 he moved to the United States to play college soccer with Reinhardt Eagles, but after one season moved to Wright State Raiders, where he spent three years, winning the Horizon League twice in that time.Dan Bent - Men's Soccer Wright State University Athletics. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
Move to Gibraltar In 2019, after completing his studies in the US, Bent relocated to Gibraltar to join ambitious Bruno's Magpies in the newly formed Gibraltar National League. He played under English manager Nathan Rooney while playing for the club. He spent four years at the club during which time he won the GFA Challenge Trophy and the 2022–23 Rock Cup. On 9 August 2023, he moved to Manchester 62.Major Signing Announcement Manchester 62 FC. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2024. However, the club's perilous financial situation caused him to leave after half a season, and he joined Lincoln Red Imps on 8 January 2024.Bent and Tarik added to the Lincoln family Lincoln Red Imps FC. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024. In his first half season, he helped secure a league and cup double.
Return to the UK On 16 June 2025, after a season and a half with Lincoln Red Imps, Bent reunited with former coach Nathan Rooney when he joined NIFL Premiership side Larne.Dan Bent arrives at Inver Park Larne FC. 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025. He played in the UEFA Conference League while playing for the club.
International career Born and raised in England, Bent naturalised for Gibraltar in 2024 and received his first call-up in August that year. He made his international debut on 4 September, starting the match vs Andorra at Europa Sports Park and scoring on his debut.Match Report: Gibraltar vs Andorra UEFA.com. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
Style of play Bent plays as a Defensive midfielder or centre-back. He is known for his versatility.
Career statistics International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsGibraltar202451202581202680Total212
International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 4 September 2024 Europa Point Stadium, Europa Point, Gibraltar 1–0 1–0 Friendly2 22 March 2025 Gradski stadion, Nikšić, Montenegro 1–0 1–3 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
Honours
Wright State Raiders Horizon League: 2016, 2018
Bruno's Magpies GFA Challenge Trophy: 2020–21 Rock Cup: 2022–23
Lincoln Red Imps Gibraltar Football League: 2023–24, 2024–25 Rock Cup: 2023–24
Larne NIFL Premiership: 2025–26 NIFL Charity Shield: 2026
References