Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo Expands Through New Partnerships with Colégio Humboldt and Rödl

The new collaborations expand the Academy’s role as a platform connecting football, education, community and the German-Brazilian relationship in São Paulo.

“Brazil has always played an important role in the history of Bayer 04, both on and off the pitch,” said Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. “The growth of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo demonstrates the power of football to connect people and cultures. With partners like Colégio Humboldt and Rödl, we are continuing to build meaningful, long-term roots in Brazil.”

Colégio Humboldt São Paulo, one of Brazil’s leading German international schools, becomes an official partner of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo, creating new opportunities for students to participate in the Academy’s programs.

The cooperation will include regular Bayer 04 training sessions at Colégio Humboldt throughout the year, while students will also have the opportunity to train directly at the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo. The partnership will nearly double participation in the Academy, allowing more young players to experience Bayer 04’s football philosophy and development methodology.

The collaboration also strengthens Bayer 04’s connection with the German-Brazilian community in São Paulo. German schools such as Colégio Humboldt play an important role in Brazilian society, serving as cultural and community bridges between Germany and Brazil.

The partnership also creates a template to potentially to expand Bayer 04 Football Academy programs to additional German schools across Brazil in the future.

“Football has the power to connect cultures and inspire young people,” said Paulo Sérgio, Bayer 04 legend and Academy Director. “We are excited to welcome Colégio Humboldt students into the Bayer 04 family and continue growing this project together.”

The partnership with Rödl also expands Bayer 04’s commitment to building connections between Brazil and Germany.

As part of the cooperation, Rödl will become the front-of-shirt partner of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo, highlighting its commitment to supporting youth development and community initiatives.

Rödl aims to use the partnership to strengthen its network of companies from North Rhine-Westphalia with interests in Brazil, creating new opportunities for exchange and collaboration between both regions.

As the fifth-largest consultancy in Germany, Rödl will connect the academy with its broad German-Brazilian network.

Since launching in July 2025 as the Bundesliga’s first official football academy project in Brazil, the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo has continued to grow under the leadership of Sérgio. The Academy combines football development with values such as teamwork, discipline, inclusion and personal growth, creating a direct connection between young Brazilian players and one of Germany’s leading football clubs.

The new partnerships with Colégio Humboldt and Rödl mark another milestone in Bayer 04’s ongoing commitment to Brazil — strengthening relationships through football, education, business and community.