Bruno Guimaraes was crowned Fans' Footballer of the Year on Tuesday, scooping the prestigious award after a stellar 2022 for Newcastle United. The Brazilian wasted no time thanking his many supporters on social media after the announcement, admitting his love for the Magpies support base.
Thanks to the passionate Geordie faithful, Guimaraes won the Premier League award and scooped the Newcastle prize, beating Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier and Joelinton to the accolade - and it is hard to argue with the results.
Mohamed Salah has won the national award for two years running but has been below his lofty standards for Liverpool this term. Erling Haaland has set the Premier League alight since joining Manchester City but is yet to show he can continue this form over a 12-month period. Arsenal and England star Beth Mead picked up third-place for her WSL and international exploits with the Lionesses.
FULL STORY HERE AS BRUNO GUIMARAES SEES OFF COMPETITION TO WIN FANS' FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD
But Bruno has enjoyed a breakout year in England's top flight, subsequently becoming one of the best midfielders in the Premier League following his first 12 months. Guimaraes' barnstorming performances in the middle of the park have struck fear into the heart of Newcastle's opponents and caught the eye of scouts across the globe.
Rewinding back to January, it is easy to forget the 25-year-old struggled for game time when he first arrived on Tyneside. Eddie Howe carefully managed his minutes before unleashing him on the south coast for his first start against Southampton in March.
Once he started for Newcastle, there was no stopping him. Opposition midfielders struggled to keep a lid on the Newcastle maestro as he spearheaded the Magpies' ascent up the Premier League table as they finished with a flourish.
There was the last-gasp diving header against Leicester, the stunning assist for Almiron against Crystal Palace and the well-taken goal in the infamous win over Arsenal. The summer break didn't bring an end to the fine run of form either.
Instead, it looked like it reinvigorated Bruno as he basked in the limelight of being Newcastle's new favourite. Guimaraes has frequently spoken of the love the Geordie fans have given him, referring to himself as being 'like the city's major' in a recent interview.
After the son of his birth, Matteo, Bruno was snapped alongside his fiancee Ana-Lidia in their north east home, with a Brazilian flag pinned on the wall behind him. The crest of the banner reads: "Bruno: Made in Brazil, Idolised in Newcastle."
It is a quote that perfectly captures how he is revered in the region he now calls home. Never before has a player taken the hearts of the St James' Park faithful in such a short period of time.
It is no surprise to see him come out on top of the 2022 FFOTY vote. Newcastle will be hoping he is in the running to retain his crown in 12 months time.
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