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
Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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Exciting exhibitions, stimulating talk, and a great response: as part of the 22nd Leverkusen Kunstnacht (Art Night), Bismarckstraße also became an art promenade on Friday evening. Stadioneck and Schwadbud made their debut at the traditional event, whilst the Lev-Szene 86 clubhouse on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz was taking part for the third time. In Schlebusch, too, there was art on display with links to Bayer 04. Football wasn’t always the main focus, however.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 3-2 win against Werder Bremen on Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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