Bayer 04 name Jorginho an official club legend

Now aged 61, he can look back on a successful and varied career, during which, in addition to winning the World Cup, he claimed league titles on three different continents. In 1989, Jorginho moved from CR Flamengo in his home country to Bayer 04, where he spent three years. During this time, he made 101 appearances, contributing directly to 34 goals as a full-back. He subsequently moved on to Bayern Munich and, among other places, to Japan.

Jorginho: "by no means a matter of course"

“I am proud and honoured to be able to represent Bayer 04 internationally in future, and above all in Brazil,” said Jorginho. “It wasn’t an easy decision back then to leave my homeland and go to Europe. But the club and the wonderful people in Leverkusen gave me a fantastic welcome and helped me settle in. I will always cherish the memories of my time there. That makes me all the more excited about the time ahead and the even closer connection we’ll have. My thanks go first and foremost to Fernando Carro and Bayer 04 for their extensive support of our Bola pra Frente project. This is by no means a matter of course and it helps people to regain a sense of normality and confidence in their own lives as best they can.”

Jorginho was the second Brazilian player to play for Bayer 04 after Tita (1987–88). He was followed by, amongst others, world stars such as Emerson (1997–2000), Zé Roberto (1998–2002) and Lucio (2001–2004). The current Werkself squad also has a Brazilian player in Arthur.

Carro: Jorginho "one of the key pioneers"

Fernando Carro, CEO at Bayer 04, said: “The tradition of players from Brazil and South America at Bayer 04 is a long and highly successful one. Jorginho was one of the key pioneers with his decision to join Leverkusen. We are therefore all the more delighted that we will be further strengthening our already very close ties with him – which have existed for some time – through his appointment as an official club legend, as well as through our commitment to Bola pra Frente. Jorginho was not only a successful footballer; he is also a remarkable individual. We are deeply impressed by his significant community commitment in his home country; the outstanding values he embodies are very much in line with our own. “

In spring 2024, Bayer 04 named Paulo Sergio, also a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, the club's first official legend. The former Leverkusen star striker now heads, amongst other things, the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo.