Bruno Guimarães and the Magical Story Behind His No. 39 Shirt

Bruno Guimarães’ No. 39 shirt is far more than just a squad number. It is a symbol of his family, his father’s sacrifices and the journey that took him from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to the highest level of football.

As Guimarães prepares to continue his career at Arsenal, the Brazilian midfielder will keep the iconic number that has followed him throughout his professional journey.

The story behind it is deeply personal.

In an exclusive piece for The Players’ Tribune, Guimarães revealed that No. 39 was inspired by his father’s taxi in Rio de Janeiro. His father drove a yellow taxi with the dispatch number 039, which became the family’s source of income and helped finance Bruno’s football dream.

At the time, Guimarães was struggling to establish himself. Despite spending years at an academy, he was still without a professional contract at 17 and was earning around R$400 a month. With his football future uncertain, he even considered becoming a taxi driver like his father.

Everything changed when he was loaned to Athletico Paranaense.

While speaking to his father about which shirt number he should choose, Bruno suggested No. 97 because he was born in 1997. His father, however, reminded him of the importance of 039.

“039 gave us everything we have, Bruno. Our house, our food, our furniture, your football boots. It was all because of our taxi.”

When Bruno arrived at the club, he was shocked to find a shirt already prepared for him.

The number?

39.

He immediately called his father, believing it had to be a joke. Neither of them had spoken to the club about the number.

Both father and son were overcome with emotion.

For Bruno, it was a sign.

“This is a sign. Make no mistake. Here, I’m going to shine.”

And shine he did.

The number 39 became synonymous with Guimarães, following him from Brazil to Europe, through his time at Lyon and Newcastle, and now into his Arsenal chapter.

What began as the number on his father’s taxi ultimately became a symbol of Bruno’s rise, reminding him of where he came from and the sacrifices that made his football dream possible.

For Guimarães, No. 39 isn't just a shirt number. It is his family’s story stitched into every appearance.