Bruno Guimarães just did something no Brazilian footballer has managed in 44 years. The Newcastle United midfielder recorded four assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, matching a benchmark set by Zico, one of the most gifted playmakers in the sport’s history, back in 1982.
For context, the 1982 Brazil squad is widely considered one of the greatest teams ever assembled. The fact that nobody from the Seleção has matched Zico’s creative output at a World Cup since then tells you everything about the company Guimarães now keeps.
What Guimarães did, and why it matters beyond the pitch
Guimarães, who has earned over 46 senior caps for Brazil, has been the engine of the national team’s midfield throughout the tournament. At club level, he’s been a fixture at Newcastle United in the Premier League, where a reported transfer approach from Arsenal was rejected in June 2026, with the bid reportedly falling below £60 million, a valuation Newcastle apparently considered an insult for a player of his caliber.
The Zico comparison in perspective
