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.
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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