Born in Lisbon, Basto was a graduate of hometown S.L. Benfica's youth system, and began playing professionally with its feeder club, F.C. Alverca, being recalled for good in January 1998.
After two years with FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and one at FC Krylia Sovetov Samara, Kulkov returned to Portugal, joining F.C. Alverca – Benfica's feeder club but also in the top flight; he closed out his career with amateurs FC Shatura, aged 35.