Lars Bender took over from Simon Rolfes as captain in 2015 when the sporting director hung up his boots. The 31-year-old, with a contract to 2021, has passed on the armband. “I’m convinced a captain belongs on the pitch and has to play regularly. Unfortunately, that wasn’t always the case for me last season. In future, I’d like to fully focus on my duties as a ‘normal’ player – and on my body, my fitness. That’s why I wanted to give up the captain’s armband.”
Charles Aránguiz joined the Werkself in the summer 2015. The Chile international has gone on to make 142 appearances for the Werkself. “Lars is still our captain. Just that he is no longer wearing the armband. He has earned the respect of the whole team and the club. His decision came as a surprise but we accept it and we will support him at all times,” Aránguiz explained. “It’s an honour for me to lead the team onto the field. The club has placed great confidence in me – especially after my serious Achilles injury at the start. And I really feel at home in the team. We have ambitious targets. I’ll give my all for that. On the pitch. And off it as well. Together with Lars and the other leading players.”
The Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes 2008-2015
Lars Bender 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz from 2020
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win against FC Köln on the 18th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 have secured the services of Serbia U19 international Aleksa Damjanovic for next season. The 17-year-old centre-forward will move from Red Star Belgrade to Leverkusen in the summer on a long-term contract. The 1.98 metre tall striker is regarded as one of the most promising attacking talents in Europe and has recently impressed with strong performances at both first team and youth level. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes and director of football Kim Falkenberg particularly praise his finishing, heading ability and physical presence in the penalty area.
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