Born in Porto, Pinto began coaching at local Boavista F.C.
[3] On 23 November 2020, Real S.C. manager Hugo Martins announced his exit two hours before a Taça de Portugal match and Pinto replaced him,[4] only to be replaced by Luís Loureiro in March after winning and losing six each of 14 fixtures.
[6] He also led the team to the quarter-finals of the domestic cup, defeating Primeira Liga sides F.C.
[16] His professional debut at age 35 in Liga Portugal 2 came on 10 August, as the season opened with a 2–2 draw at C.S.
He was voted Manager of the Month for September/October after winning all five games, scoring 15 goals and conceding three.