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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
Show more
Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
Show more
