Back
16.03.2022Bayer 04

Bayer 04 in mourning for Egidius Braun – Völler: He will never be forgotten

He was president of the German Football Association (DFB) for nine years and he made a lasting impression on the social commitment of the biggest national sports governing body: Egidius Braun passed away today (Wednesday) at the age of 97.
imago1010636933h.jpg

The former agricultural businessman from Aachen was voted president of the Middle Rhine Football Association in 1973. Braun became the treasurer of the DFB four years later. He held that post up until his election as DFB president in 1992. He chaired the national football association for nine years. He played an important role in the successful application to hold the 2006 World Cup in Germany and he founded the Egidius Braun Foundation that primarily focuses on social integration at home and abroad.

"Egidius Braun always impressed me from when I first accompanied him to an orphanage in Mexico during an international match trip in 1985," recalls Rudi Völler, sporting managing director at Bayer 04. "Back then it was aid for Mexico and now it's the Egidius Braun Foundation – his lifetime achievement – where I have been on the advisory board for many years. We had a very close relationship due to that. Egidius Braun will never be forgotten either as a person or based on his social achievements. I will like to express my deepest sympathy to his family and friends."

black armbands against Atalanta

In honour of the DFB honorary president Egidius Braun, the Werkself will wear black armbands in the Europa League match against Atalanta. The game at the BayArena on Thursday 17 March kicks off at 18.45 CET.

 

Related News

Lobke Loonen
Women - 23.06.2026

Bayer 04 Women start pre-season training

In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.

Show more
Bayer 04 bei der Pride am Rhein
Sustainability - 23.06.2026

Diversity under the Cross: Bayer 04 at Pride on the Rhine in Leverkusen

Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.

Show more
Melissa Friedrich verlängert
Women - 21.06.2026

Eleventh season at Bayer 04: Melissa Friedrich agrees new deal to 2027

Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.

Show more
Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 18.06.2026

Portuguese striker Afonso Moreira joins Bayer 04 from Lyon

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.

Show more