The journey began with a historic cog railway, which took the team on a bumpy 3.8-kilometer ride up to the sanctuary. The train climbed 670 meters in altitude during the roughly 20-minute ride. After a few final steps, it appeared: the towering 30-meter-high Christ the Redeemer sanctuary, majestically perched on Corcovado mountain, arms outstretched as if embracing the entire city of Rio de Janeiro.
The view from above was equally spectacular: lush green mountains, endless beaches, countless islands, Sugarloaf, and Copacabana. All bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Players, coaches, and staff captured this unforgettable moment with countless photos to remember it forever.
Before heading back down on the cog railway, Father João Damasceno offered a blessing to the team in front of the sanctuary.
On the return trip, when the lights inside the train were briefly turned off, revealing the breathtaking nighttime panorama of the city lights from high above, the Bayer 04 group was left in awe. A collective, resounding “Wow” echoed through the carriage. Brazilian World Cup winner Paulo Sergio had the perfect words for the moment:
“This is Brazil, boys.”
As part of the visit to Christ the Redeemer, signed jerseys from the Werkself players are being auctioned off, with the earnings going to social projects around the sanctuary. Bayer 04 has also donated winter clothing, which will be distributed to people in need across Rio de Janeiro.
On the eve of the visit, the iconic sanctuary was illuminated in red as a sign of the club’s gratitude to the city of Rio de Janeiro.
About Christ the Redeemer:
A powerful symbol of faith, peace, and Brazilian culture, Christ the Redeemer welcomes millions of people each year from the top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated on October 12, 1931 and built by the Catholic Church with strong popular support, the monument was conceived to celebrate the centenary of Brazil’s independence and has become one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.
Elected one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is Brazil’s most iconic face to the world — a symbol of hope that transcends borders. More than a tourist attraction, it is a Sanctuary that carries out social, educational, and sustainability initiatives, inspired by Christian values and a deep commitment to the common good.
A breathtaking and unforgettable highlight of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour: This Saturday, the Bayer 04 delegation visited the world-famous Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. High above Rio de Janeiro, players, coaches, and staff enjoyed a stunning sunset view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Maracanã, and more.
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Day five of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour starts on the training ground before a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Bayer04.de will keep you up-to-date with reports from Rio de Janeiro throughout Saturday (timings in local time).
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The Bayer 04 Brazil Tour brought a surprising and emotional reunion of former teammates as current team manager Hans-Peter Lehnhoff met up with some of the club’s Brazilian legends, seeing some of them for the first time in 30 years.
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Day four of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour is all about the Werkself friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team. Before the kick-off at the Estádio da Gávea today, Friday, 18 July, at 14:30 local time (19:30 CEST), the Werkself players will warm-up at the team hotel. In addition: A communal evening event with a view of the famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro. Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on the spot reports. Day four blog on the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings in local time).
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The Werkself lost 5-1 against the Flamengo U20 team in the first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 season. The scorers for the Brazilian team, playing in the middle of their season, were Lorran (3’), an Arthur own goal (11’), Matheus Goncalves (40’), Pedro Leao (45+4’) and Gusttavo (55’). Head coach Erik ten Hag made several substitutions on 30 minutes and he made ten more changes on the hour mark. The Werkself were then more proactive on the pitch with the input from Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich and Co. bringing significantly more attacking moves that led to a number of chances. Montrell Culbreath netted a consolation strike on 71 minutes for the final score of 5-1.
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