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.
Werkself TV shows highlights of the 2-0 win at Olympiacos in the first leg of the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league...
Show more
The Werkself beat Olympiacos 2-0 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off first leg to claim a crucial victory in the Greek capital. After a focused first-half display with a number of presentable chances, Patrik Schick crowned a textbook counter to hand the Werkself the lead on the hour (60’). The Czech rounded off his brace when he headed in from a corner just 144 seconds later. Bayer 04 maintained their lead with aplomb to achieve a good position for the return leg in Leverkusen.
Show more
Bayer 04 and Olympiacos had only met twice before the current UEFA Champions campaign. After the encounter on Matchday 7 of this season’s league phase, the Werkself travel to face the Greek side for the second time in just four weeks for the knockout play-off first leg. The Black and Reds were dominant for large spells in mid-January but lost 2-0 after missing a number of presentable chances. The Werkself aim to do better on Wednesday night to “seize the chance for revenge,” as managing director sport Simon Rolfes put it. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
Show more
A bitter end to the fifth showdown of the 2025/26 VBL Club Championship as the #B04eSports team failed to take any points in the three remaining matches of the preliminary online round of the fifth and final showdown, missing out on the offline round. They can no longer take points in the overall table. Bayer 04 slipped out on the top eight, so direct participation in the final event for the German Club Championship is no longer possible, with Bayer 04 having to contest the play-offs.
Show more
