Newcastle United's Midfielder Bruno Guimarães Reveals Reason For His Jersey No. 39

Bruno Guimarães, the Brazilian midfielder for Newcastle United, wears the number 39 jersey as a tribute to his father's legacy. This number holds deep personal significance, symbolizing his family's sacrifices and unwavering support throughout his journey to professional football.

Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Bruno's father was a taxi driver, and his taxi's dispatch number was 039. Bruno shared that this number "gave me everything in life. It got me here to Newcastle. It fed me, clothed me, and paid for three-hour bus rides to pursue my dream."

When Bruno signed with Athletico Paranaense at 15, he recalled his father's advice: "Bruno, if you have an opportunity, take the number 39. It's the number for the taxi. It gave us everything that you have, our house, everything." Coincidentally, he was assigned the number 39 without requesting it, reinforcing its special meaning.