Originally discovered as a tall, talented striker while playing for one of China’s top clubs Beijing Guoan, Chen played in Germany from 1998-2003. He started on a loan with Waldhof Mannheim before signing with Eintracht Frankfurt prior to the 1998 season. He played nearly 100 games in Frankfurt before spending his final year in Bundesliga 2. with FC St. Pauli. In 2002, Chen played for his national team at the 2002 World Cup, the first and only appearance for China at the World Cup.
As part of his visit for the day, Chen explored the club’s facilities and met with Shen Menglu, the Chinese international currently playing for Bayer 04’s women’s team.
Together, Chen and Shen toured the BayArena, where they discussed their experiences as Chinese professionals in German football and exchanged thoughts on the evolution of the pro game in their home country. They also took part in a lighthearted kick-around in the stadium, visited the press and matchday areas before a stop at Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion next door, where Shen plays her games with the Bayer 04 Women.
The visit concluded at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt, where Chen viewed club memorabilia and the recent 2024 trophies. As a gesture of friendship, Shen presented Chen with a personalized Bayer 04 jersey. Two signed jerseys from both players will be given away via Chen’s Douyin account, promoting Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga to Chinese sports fans.
“We had the great honor of visiting the stadium and the locker rooms and we hope that through this experience, Bayer Leverkusen’s tradition and culture can be shared even more with Chinese fans,” said Chen. “I sincerely hope that the collaboration between Bayer Leverkusen, China, and Chinese football fans continues to grow stronger and more diverse.”
Bayer 04 earned a 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg on Bundesliga Matchday 3 with a late equaliser. The Werkself led at half-time through Christian Kofane's strike but the hosts, who went in the game as league leaders, turned it around with a quickfire double from Michael Gregoritsch after the break. The Black-and-Reds didn't give up, though, and salvaged a point thanks to substitute Patrik Schick's flick in the 89th minute.
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After the first win of the season against 1. FC Union Berlin (4-0) last weekend, the Werkself are aiming to collect another three points at FC Augsburg on Saturday 12 September (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The hosts, meanwhile, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign and go into Matchday 3 top of the table for the first time. The Matchday News.
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The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.
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FC Augsburg are top of the table for the first time in their Bundesliga history. After two wins for starters, FCA lead the German top-flight with six points and a goal difference of 7 to 1. This Saturday, 12 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), Augsburg are looking to build on their strong start to the season against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Following the closure of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Bayer 04 men's and women's first teams lined up for a first-ever joint photo at the BayArena. Werkself fans can now download the official photos for free.
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