Why Arsenal’s new No.39 means far more than just a shirt number

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·8 August 2026

Why Arsenal’s new No.39 means far more than just a shirt number

Bruno Guimarães is officially an Arsenal player, and one detail about his arrival at the Emirates carries far more significance than many supporters might initially realise.

The Brazilian has become synonymous with the No.39 shirt throughout his career, and Arsenal have now confirmed that he will continue wearing his iconic number in red and white.

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Because for Guimarães, 39 is far more than just a shirt number.

Why No.39 means so much to Guimarães

Writing in a deeply personal piece for The Players’ Tribune in 2023, Guimarães explained that his father, Dick, worked as a taxi driver in Brazil and that his taxi carried the number 039.

For Guimarães, therefore, 39 has never simply been a squad number.

He explained that the taxi provided the money which fed and clothed him as a child and helped pay for the lengthy journeys he needed to make while chasing his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

“The number tells a story more beautiful than words can say,” Guimarães wrote, describing 39 as not merely special to him, but “magical.”

His father spent years behind the wheel supporting his family while his son attempted to make his way in football.

That sacrifice is something Guimarães clearly hasn’t forgotten.

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

From his father’s taxi to the Emirates

There is something rather lovely about the journey that number has subsequently taken.

Guimarães carried 39 with him at Athletico Paranaense, Lyon and Newcastle United, turning what was once simply the identification number of his father’s taxi into one of the most recognisable shirt numbers in the Premier League.

Now it will continue its journey at Arsenal.

When he walks out at the Emirates wearing No.39, Arsenal supporters will now know that the number on his back represents considerably more than a personal preference.

It represents his family, his upbringing and a father who spent countless hours driving a taxi to give his son the opportunity to pursue a dream.

From taxi 039 in Rio de Janeiro to wearing 39 for Arsenal at the Emirates.

Quite a journey..

What do you think, Gooners? Are you looking forward to seeing Bruno Guimarães wearing his famous No.39 shirt for Arsenal? We might even see him on the pitch v Borussia Dortmund.. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

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