Bruno Guimaraes makes mockery of Alexander Isak – Newcastle’s captain fantastic
In the world of modern football, where loyalty can sometimes feel like a fading concept, the true measure of a player often extends far beyond the goals they score or the tackles they make.
It’s found in their character, their connection to the club, and their unwavering commitment to the fans. At Newcastle United, that standard is being set, and then some, by their captain, Bruno Guimaraes.
There were a few raised eyebrows when the armband was passed from Kieran Trippier to Bruno just twelve months ago. Today, those questions have been answered with a resounding and powerful statement.
The Brazilian midfielder hasn’t just taken on the role; he has completely redefined what it means to be a leader for the Magpies.
His journey from a talented new signing to the undeniable heart and soul of the team is a story of passion, consistency, and an authentic love for the city he now calls home.
From the very beginning, Bruno’s style of play was a perfect match for the Premier League and for the Geordie faithful.
He announced himself in the most spectacular fashion possible—an outrageous backheel volley against Southampton that immediately etched his name into club folklore.
But that was just the start. What followed was a relentless series of performances, game after game, where he proved to be the engine of the team. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just show up for the big occasions; he defines them.
Think of his headed winner in a stunning comeback against Leicester, or the crucial strike against Brighton that all but sealed a place in the Champions League. As the saying goes, the man is clutch.
Perhaps just as impressive as his skill is his incredible durability. In an era where players are often managed carefully to avoid injury, Bruno started an astonishing 67 Premier League games in a row.
His availability is a manager’s dream and a huge asset for Eddie Howe. This is a player who embodies commitment in every sense. He delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham just hours after becoming a father, and he routinely tops the charts for distance covered on the pitch.
For a significant portion of last season, he virtually carried the Newcastle midfield on his own.
His adaptability is another key strength. When Sandro Tonali’s arrival required a tactical shift, Bruno moved seamlessly from his central defensive role to a right-sided position, allowing him to focus more on creating attacks without losing any of his trademark tenacity.
He plays with a fire that borders on the edge, a controlled aggression that makes him a nightmare for opponents but almost always stays on the right side of the rules.
Yet, for all his brilliance, there are times when he is strangely underrated. It’s easy to become accustomed to excellence, to take it for granted. When fan conversations last season overlooked him for Player of the Year, Bruno himself noticed—a subtle reminder that he is tuned in to the heartbeat of the support.
He’s never been afraid to engage with fans online, standing up for the club when needed. In my book, he’s always the player of the season.
You could make a strong argument that he is the best central midfielder to have worn the black and white shirt in the Premier League era.
He would have fit right into the legendary teams of Keegan and Robson, and he perfectly embodies the spirit of the current squad under Howe. It is a genuine privilege to watch him play every week.
But what truly elevates Bruno Guimaraes into the realm of club legend isn’t just his talent—it’s his character. He has embraced Newcastle and its culture in a way few foreign players ever have.
His father is a regular in the away end, his young sons are Geordies born and bred. He just gets it. From the very first day, he understood what it means to represent this city and this club.
He’s a unifying force in the dressing room, always at the center of the club’s social media content—whether he’s playing head tennis with Joelinton or judging a cooking contest between Miggy Almiron and Anthony Gordon.
He is, without a doubt, the key figure in the positive and tight-knit team culture that Eddie Howe has worked so hard to build.
His raw emotion at the full-time whistle of the Carabao Cup Final, tears streaming down his face, was broadcast around the world. In that moment, he wasn’t just a player; he was a fan.
He felt the weight of the occasion and the longing of the supporters, and his grief was shared by every Geordie watching. To commemorate the experience, he got a tattoo—a gesture that might feel performative from someone else, but with Bruno, it feels completely genuine.
Eddie Howe’s admiration for him is clear. The manager has called him the “fulcrum of everything,” a “very, very rare” talent whose professionalism and motivation never waver.
This summer, when answering a question about another player, Howe pointedly highlighted Bruno’s desire to play for Newcastle—an unprompted testament to his captain’s commitment.
That commitment was put to the test last summer. Bruno found himself in a situation not unlike the one surrounding Alexander Isak today. He had proven himself at the highest level, and clubs with a more immediate chance of silverstone were circling.
A release clause in his contract was a reality. Yet, throughout that period, Bruno never agitated for a move, never showed anything but respect for the club and the supporters.
His approach stands in stark contrast to the modern transfer saga. It shows that while many players may ultimately act in their own self-interest, there are still those who build something deeper a real affiliation with the club and the community.
Just minutes after a certain social media statement made headlines this summer, Bruno posted his own response: a simple, powerful image of himself staring defiantly down the lens. No words were needed. It was a message of loyalty, unity, and leadership from a captain who has truly made the role his own.
He is our brilliant, Brazilian, adopted Geordie. And he is captain fantastic.