Bruno Guimarães is heading to Arsenal with one of the Premier League’s most recognisable shirt numbers on his back.
The Brazilian midfielder has worn No.39 throughout his entire club career, and the reason has nothing to do with his birthday, a favourite player or a lucky number.
It comes from his father’s taxi.
Guimarães grew up in Rio de Janeiro, where his father Dick worked as a taxi driver to support the family while his son chased a career in football.
The dispatch number of that yellow taxi in Rio de Janeiro was 039.
“My father drove that yellow taxi day and night so that I could eat.”
Magical number 39
“For me, the 39 is special. No, It’s more than that… It's magical. The number 39 has given me everything in life.”
Guimarães explains that the money earned through the taxi helped fund the long journeys he needed to make as a young footballer.
The number 39 delivered… “It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream.”
From Rio to the Premier League
That number has followed Guimarães through his career.
He wore 39 with Athletico Paranaense in Brazil, kept it after joining Lyon in 2020 and again chose it when Newcastle United brought him to the Premier League in January 2022.
His father’s taxi eventually became part of his identity at Newcastle too.
Guimarães has spoken about the contrast between his childhood and seeing his father recognised thousands of miles away in England.
“Now, when he walks down the streets of Newcastle, on the other side of the world, people stop him and ask for pictures,” he said.
“That yellow taxi kept my dream alive.”
Bruno Guimarães Set for Arsenal Move
Now the No.39 is set for another new home.
Arsenal have agreed a £75 million deal with Newcastle for the 28-year-old, who was given permission to complete a medical after making clear that he wanted the move to north London.
Reports on Friday, August 7, indicated Guimarães had completed his medical and signed his contract, with an official Arsenal announcement expected shortly.
Arsenal are getting one of the Premier League’s established midfielders. For Guimarães, it is another major step in a journey that started in Rio.
And wherever that journey takes him, 39 remains more than a squad number. It is the number that helped get him there.
