It’s a special relationship developed over decades: Bayer 04 is an attractive choice for players born on the other side of the Atlantic – who have helped to shape the club and make it successful. In particular, the "Bayer Brazilians" have become an identifiable group with 23 players having come to Leverkusen from the biggest country in South America – and many of them developed here into world stars and World Cup winners. It's a unique number in the Bundesliga with FC Bayern, for example, 'only' having had 13 Brazilian players to date.
Wendell and Paulinho are the two Brazilians in the current squad. In addition, there is the Chilean captain Charles Aránguiz, the two Argentinians Lucas Alario and Exequiel Palacios, the unfortunately long-term absentee from Colombia Santiago Arias plus the Jamaican Leon Bailey who make up the American contingent at the Werkself. They are all Americans, even if that concept in Germany and Europe is mostly erroneously used solely for inhabitants of the USA – which is often met with a clearly visible rolling of the eyes in South and Central America. "We all live on the American continent and are all Americans," is often heard then.
There is great solidarity amongst theses players – as has already been seen this season. When Arias was playing for Colombia and suffered a broken leg and torn ligaments in his left ankle, there was a huge wave of sympathy. Alario, scorer of the winner in the 1-0 victory at Mainz, spoke on behalf of the whole team after the win against FSV: "We've won this game for Santi. It was a heavy blow for him but also for the whole team. Hopefully that helps him on the long way back. We're all crossing our fingers."
Arias, who is expected to be sidelined for around six months, was moved by the emotional message from his teammates who had only played alongside wants in the Bundesliga before that. "What's coming will be tough. Bayer 04 have given me lots of support, shown me that I'm important and that gives me strength. I promise I'll work hard to come back soon and stronger to wear the colours of Colombia and my club Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Thank you." The right-back, on loan from Atletico Madrid, underwent an operation in the Spanish capital with eleven screws being put into his leg. A serious operation.
In Charles Aránguiz, Arias has a perfect contact at Bayer 04 – and not just because of speaking the same language. The Chilean also had a tough time after signing for Bayer 04, having to battle with an Achilles injury before rediscovering his old form and this season he became captain of the Werkself.
It's one of the many success stories written by Americans in Leverkusen – and the fans can look forward to many more.
This article comes from the Werks11 Magazine #28. The latest edition was posted out to Bayer 04 Club members last week and it will appear on Bayer04.de in the coming days.
The Bayer 04 women’s team secured a win in the friendly during the international break. Without a total of eight international players, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team defeated Bundesliga 2 side Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1 at the Kurtekotten Training Centre, thanks to goals from Lobke Loonen (1’, penalty), Caroline Kehrer (41') and Valentina Mädl (66').
Show more
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
Show more
During the first international break of the 2026/27 season, set to last just under three weeks, nine Bayer 04 first-team players are in action with their respective national teams. Read on for updates on matches featuring Werkself players…
Show more
Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
Show more
