Newcastle United secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, and much of the spotlight fell on Bruno Guimaraes once again. The Brazilian midfielder has become a central figure at St James’ Park, and his influence on the pitch is now undeniable.
His latest goal against Palace added to a streak of important contributions, following his score in the season-ending win over Burnley, helping Newcastle finish 2025 on a high and kick off 2026 with momentum.
Guimaraes, ever the professional, celebrated the win on Instagram, sharing his excitement with fans. He wrote, “We finished 2025 in the best possible way and started 2026 even better! Happy with the three points and another goal.
We’re giving everything we have to achieve our objectives this year. Howay the lads!” His humility and drive resonated with the Newcastle squad, highlighting why he is such a respected presence both on and off the field.
The midfielder’s performance did not go unnoticed by his teammates. Malick Thiaw, who also found the net in the match, praised Guimaraes in a playful yet heartfelt way, commenting simply, “Magician.”
Thiaw himself scored his first goal at St James’ Park since joining Newcastle from AC Milan in the summer, and the moment clearly meant a lot to him. Speaking after the match, Thiaw shared his emotions, saying, “It was an amazing feeling to score my first goal here.
Celebrating in front of the fans, seeing the joy on their faces, was unforgettable. Bruno’s quality inspires everyone around him. Some of the things he does on the pitch make me stop and think, wow – what a player!”
Thiaw also touched on the camaraderie within the squad, recalling the celebrations he shares with teammate Nick, a ritual that began when Nick scored goals and has continued since, reflecting the strong bonds building within the team.
These moments off the ball, combined with their on-field performances, are helping Newcastle develop a confident and connected squad capable of competing at the top level.
Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s head coach, echoed the admiration for Guimaraes, describing him as “a very special player.” Howe highlighted the midfielder’s leadership and consistency, emphasizing the crucial role he has played in key moments over the years.
Since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, Guimaraes has made 182 appearances and scored 29 goals, helping the club qualify twice for the Champions League and ending a 70-year domestic trophy drought with the Carabao Cup victory.
Howe said, “Bruno is a very special player, special person, special character. He’s got great energy and played a captain’s role in a game that was always going to be decided by key moments. He’s delivered big moments countless times. Big players normally decide big games, and today, Bruno was that player for us.”
Guimaraes’ influence extends beyond statistics. While his goals and assists are vital, it is his energy, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game that make him stand out. Teammates and fans alike recognize his presence as a game-changer, someone capable of turning matches in Newcastle’s favor with a moment of brilliance.
In a squad steadily building momentum and confidence under Howe, Guimaraes is more than a player; he is a cornerstone, a leader, and a symbol of the club’s recent rise back to prominence.
As Newcastle continues its campaign, the Brazilian midfielder’s form and leadership will be crucial in determining how high the Magpies can climb in the Premier League.
For fans, seeing him celebrated by teammates like Thiaw and praised by Howe is a reminder of just how important he is to the team, both on and off the pitch. Moments like these not only highlight individual quality but also the growing unity and ambition within Newcastle United.
