"The signing of Paulinho is a huge success for us," declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. And the signature of the sought-after Brazilian rising star on Bayer 04 headed paper represents a real coup. "Jonas Boldt has shown great negotiating ability in convincing the player and I'm happy we have been able to continue our special Brazilian tradition that shows Bayer 04's presence in South America," said sporting director Rudi Völler.
Paulinho is considered to be one of the biggest talents in the country of the five-time World Cup winners and he made his debut in the top flight at the age of 16 and his spectacular appearances since then of cause a sensation. Effective on either wing but also as a number 10 or a central striker, the lightning fast and physically strong striker demonstrated his class before he broke his arm the start of April in a league game against Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte.
"We reckon Paulinho should have recovered by the middle of July and be fully fit when he joins us," said Bayer 04 manager Boldt. "The lad has quickly shown us what he can do with his technical ability, his dynamism, assertiveness and his goal threat. He is very advanced in spite of his young age. We are convinced we can integrate him quickly and we're looking forward to seeing another great player in a Bayer 04 shirt."
For Paulinho himself, the decision to join Leverkusen is based on the success story that Bayer 04 have with Brazilian pros. "Emerson, Lucio, Jorginho, Zé Roberto and Juan were fantastic players whose global career started at Bayer 04," said the U20 international in explaining his reasons for moving on. "The club has a great reputation back home and everybody knows them as a club in Europe where a lot of Brazilians have been happy. Renato Augusto cried when he left Leverkusen and with Wendell I know how much they support young foreign pros. I think it's important to fully consider a move abroad, that's why I've chosen a club that works seriously and yet still pursues great ambitions. I want to get to know the whole of Europe with Bayer 04," declared Paulinho, "I want to play in the Champions League and continue to improve myself. During our discussions I was presented to the club, the team and individual players. A great young team. I'm sure I'll feel at home here and be successful."
Whether it's sport or his private live: Captain Edmond Tapsoba tells us his top three personal favourites in twelve categories in edition #56 of the Werkself Magazine. The defender had to answer as quickly as he reacts on the pitch. 'On the Podium' with Edmond Tapsoba!
Show more
“Year after year, this is an incredibly valuable gathering, both in terms of the content covered and the opportunity for mutual discussion,” stressed Bayer 04 goalkeeping coach David Thiel in his welcoming address at this year’s goalkeeping coaches’ meeting. This was the third time in four seasons that the event had been held at the BayArena. Organised by the German Football Association (DFB), the meeting brought together goalkeeping coaches from the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and the 3rd division from the west region. For the first time this year, goalkeeping coaches from the youth performance centres (NLZ) were also present. Bayer 04 fitness coach Markus Müller provided fascinating insights into the specific fitness training carried out with the Werkself’s goalkeepers.
Show more
A floodlit derby, two further night games and a top-of-the-table clash on a Saturday afternoon: The German Football Association (DFB) has confirmed the exact dates for four further matchdays in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. This means all fixtures for the Bayer 04 women’s team up to the end of the year, as well as the first two in 2027, are now confirmed.
Show more
It was another incredibly close call in the end: The second showdown in the 2026/27 VBL Club Championship saw the #B04eSports team once again narrowly miss out on a place in the top 16 of the preliminary round – and with it, a spot in the in-person knockout stage. It was a bitter blow: Marc and Sean Landwehr again fell just short, despite being level on points with their rivals. As was the case last month, their weaker record across the twelve individual matches in the six preliminary round fixtures proved decisive.
Show more
Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and the matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.
Show more
