Bruno Guimaraes, Brazil’s midfield anchor, says the number 39 has a special meaning for him because it was his father’s taxi number in Rio de Janeiro. He said, “The number on my shirt tells a story better than words ever could,” adding that the yellow cab “fed me, dressed me and paid for the trips” that kept his football dream alive. His father’s taxi, number 039, supported the family and now, he said, people in Newcastle stop his father for photos.
Guimaraes, who usually wears 39 at club level but 8 for Brazil, says the midfield role suits him because it gives him creative freedom while still demanding defensive work. That balance, he argues, is exactly what Brazil needs after its disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco. At 28, he is the only Brazil midfielder in the squad at the peak of his career, while Danilo Santos plays for Botafogo, Lucas Paqueta has returned to Flamengo, Fabinho is in Saudi Arabia, and Casemiro is 34.
He told Globo Esporte that much has changed since the 2022 World Cup, when he had just joined Newcastle United and was only a squad player for Brazil. “It feels like 10 years have passed in four,” he said, noting that he is now married, a father of two, and a major figure at Newcastle. He added that he is more experienced, less harsh on himself, and believes the peak years for a footballer are between 28 and 30.
Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly emphasized Guimaraes’s importance, and the coach has made him one of the team’s leaders in his 4-2-3-1 system. Guimaraes said Ancelotti’s trust made him want to matter even more, especially because “a person who has won everything” gave him that confidence. He said this season has been his best at Newcastle, with his most productive scoring campaign and frequent goal contributions in the Premier League. Ahead of Brazil’s next match against Haiti, on Friday night into Saturday at 03:30 on Sport1, he will be expected to take on even more leadership, with Brazil’s tournament prospects tied to it.
