Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Visit to German School in shadow of Christ the Redeemer

The welcome was given by the German consul general in Rio de Janeiro, Jan Freigang: "I'm happy we were able to set up this event together with Bayer 04. Football is the passion that connects Germany and Brazil and the perfect opportunity to strengthen the friendship between the two countries."

And then the session got going led by the coaches from the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo and Brabogordinho, the biggest Brazilian football influencer, who was also involved. The children took part in a range of moves as well as passing and shooting drills. The teqball table was also very busy.

Brian the Lion goes down a TREAT

The Bayer 04 mascot Brian the Lion, who ensured the children were in the best of moods, was certainly in demand. Brian was surrounded by the children and he was happy to meet all the autograph requests from youngsters. The hundreds of autograph cards signed by the Werkself players were a big hit with the kids – and all gone in the blink of an eye.

And talking about mascots: A huge ficus tree at the entrance to the school, which is in the district of Botafogo between Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Copacabana Beach, is home to a pair of toucans. They are the mascots of the school and – who would have thought it – they have the colours of the Germany national flag.

After the session, the children gathered together in the centre circle where a small tombola was held. The children were happy about the exciting gifts including Bayer 04 jerseys and much more. The gifts were handed out by Brabogordinho. The famous football influencer, who also took part in the recent visit to the Bayer AG Football Academy in Rio, said thank you after the event for an exciting day and working together over the last few days.

"We and the children are very grateful"

The two-hour visit ended after the tombola. Luiz Felipe, son of Paulo Sergio, summed up the event: "It was a brilliant afternoon. You could see the joy of the kids everywhere. Being able to set up events like this with the Football Academy and with Bayer 04 in general is really good. That certainly makes sense with the connection to this country. We are very grateful and the children too."

On the general link between Germany and Brazil, he said: "For me, it was very important back then to learn the German culture and language. These children definitely have to experience that! I'm 34 now and both the Brazilian and the German cultures have given me so much. It's an honour to have both sides in me. It enriches my life incredibly."