9 Bruno Guimaraes Facts From Childhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Think Football Ideas
- Jun 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 15
Full Name: Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura
Date of Birth: 16 November 1997
Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Height: 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s): Central midfielder
Current Club: Arsenal
Jersey Number: 39
Bruno Guimarães, the shining light from São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, has emerged as a top talent in European football. Known for his commanding presence, physical prowess, and intense dedication, the Brazil-born midfielder, currently plying his trade in the Premier League, has become a household name in the football world.
Now, let's embark on a journey through 9 fascinating facts illuminating his childhood, highlighting his rich family heritage, pivotal moments in his career, and more.
Below Are 9 Bruno Guimaraes Facts From Childhood in Brazil to Premier League Stardom
1. He Was Born in São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro
Bruno Guimarães was born on 16 November 1997 in São Cristóvão, a historic neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro.
Growing up in Brazil meant football was never far away, but Guimarães' route into the professional game was not simply a straight path from childhood football to one of Europe's biggest clubs.
His early development eventually took him into the youth system at Audax Rio, where he began building the foundations for the career that would eventually take him to Europe and the Premier League.
Thanks to his grandfather, Bruno possesses Spanish citizenship alongside his Brazilian nationality. His complete name, Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura, reflects his heritage, with "Guimarães" representing his maternal lineage and "Rodriguez Moura" his paternal lineage.
2. He Has Spanish Heritage
Guimarães, also known as Bruxo ("The Wizard" in Portuguese), has Brazilian and Spanish heritage through his family. His full name is Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura, reflecting his family background, while his Spanish ancestry also gave him eligibility for Spanish citizenship.
Despite that connection to Spain, his international career has always been with Brazil. That decision ultimately saw him progress through Brazil's youth teams before establishing himself in the senior national side.
3. He Started His Football Career at Audax Rio before joining Athletico Paranaense
Bruno Guimarães began his youth career at Audax Rio, where his passion for the game blossomed. However, he officially joined Grêmio Osasco Audax in 2015, making his senior team debut in April at age 17 in a victory against Bragantino.
His exceptional performances in the 2017 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior earned him a promotion to the senior squad.
In May 2017, he joined Athletico Paranaense on loan, initially featuring for the under-23 team. He debuted for the club in June 2017, securing his permanent signing in March 2018, and scoring his first senior goal a few days later as he contributed to a resounding victory over Rio Branco-PR.
His pivotal role under manager Tiago Nunes led to a contract renewal in February 2019. He was voted the best midfielder in the Brazilian championship and succeeded with Athletico Paranaense, winning the CONMEBOL Levain Cup and the Brazilian Cup.
4. Lyon Came Calling Following His Top Displays at Paranaense
Guimarães moved to Olympique Lyonnais in January 2020, beginning the next major chapter of his career. The transfer took him from Brazilian football into one of Europe's major leagues and gave him the opportunity to test himself against a different style of football.
At Lyon, he quickly established himself as an important midfielder. His performances in France also brought him to the attention of the Brazil national team, while Premier League clubs began monitoring his progress. It would not be long before England came calling.
5. He was Ready-Made for the Premier League
Newcastle United signed Guimarães in January 2022, bringing him to the Premier League. The Brazilian quickly became one of the most important players at St James' Park, combining defensive work with his ability to progress the ball and contribute in attack.
He eventually became Newcastle captain and played a central role in the club's rise under Eddie Howe.
Guimarães also helped Newcastle win the 2025 League Cup, the club's first major domestic trophy in decades. By the time he left Newcastle, he had made 195 appearances and scored 31 goals for the club.
6. He Wears Number 39 Because of His Father
One of the most personal facts about Guimarães concerns his shirt number. The midfielder has traditionally worn No. 39, a number connected to his father, Dick Moura.
His father worked as a taxi driver while supporting Bruno's football ambitions, and the number on his taxi became a meaningful symbol for the midfielder.
When Guimarães moved to Europe, he chose No. 39 as a tribute to his father's hard work and the sacrifices made to help him pursue his football career. It became much more than just a squad number.
7. He Re-watches His Matches with His Parents Dick and Márcia Moura
Despite playing abroad, Bruno Guimarães maintains a close bond with his family. Whenever he returns to Brazil during holidays or festive periods, he takes the time to re-watch his matches with his parents, Dick and Márcia Moura.
This tradition highlights the strong connection he shares with his father, mother, and place of birth, reflecting the deep roots and support system that have been pivotal throughout his career.
8. He was Eligible to Represent Spain Before Choosing Brazil Internationally
Guimarães' Spanish heritage meant he had another international option, but his international career belongs to Brazil. He represented Brazil at youth level before making his senior debut in 2020 in a memorable victory over Uruguay in November of the same year.
His performances subsequently earned him selection for major tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and he became an established part of Brazil's midfield. By continuing to represent Brazil, Guimarães joined a long line of elite midfielders to wear the famous yellow shirt.
9. He Joined Arsenal After the 2026 World Cup
Bruno Guimarães continued his rise through European football when he joined Arsenal after four-and-a-half years at Newcastle United. The midfielder had already established himself as one of the Premier League's leading central midfielders during his time at St James' Park.
Arsenal secured his signature for a reported £75 million, with Guimarães signing a four-year contract with an option for a further year. The move represented another significant step in a career that had taken him from Brazilian football to Europe and eventually to the Premier League.
At Arsenal, Guimarães added another technically gifted and physically strong option to the midfield, alongside players such as Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Martin Zubimendi.
His ability to win possession, carry the ball forward, dictate play and contribute defensively made him a natural fit for Arsenal's midfield and another important chapter in his development as one of Brazil's leading midfielders.
Bonus: He Became a Father During His Premier League Career
Away from football, Guimarães is a family man. He married his long-term partner Ana Lidia Martins in 2023, and the couple have children together.
His family has remained an important part of his life throughout his rise from Brazilian football to the Premier League. That connection to home has remained a recurring theme in Guimarães' story, particularly given the importance of his parents in helping him pursue a football career.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, X [Twitter] and Instagram.
Comments