Born and raised in Bockholtz in the Netherlands on the border to Germany, Mark Flekken joined Alemannia Aachen from Roda JC Kerkrade at the age of 16. Starting in the youth section at the then second division club, his career progressed and he signed his first professional contract in September 2011. The tall shot-stopper became the first choice keeper for the senior side from the winter break in the third division in the 2012/13 season. At the end of that campaign he joined SpVgg Greuther Fürth where he made just three second division appearances in three years.
He then became the first choice keeper at third tier MSV Duisburg in 2016/17 – where he made a historical contribution: On 7 August 2016, Flekken scored the equaliser at 1-1 with a backheel in added time in the league match at VfL Osnabrück. It was the first goal from open play scored by a keeper in the history of MSV Duisburg. The season ended with MSV gaining promotion to Bundesliga 2 as champions.
After two seasons with more than 30 appearances each, Flekken signed for Bundesliga club SC Freiburg in 2018/19 and he made his Bundesliga debut on the last matchday of the season. After the departure of Alexander Schwolow in 2020/21, he became the SCF number one but then suffered an elbow injury that kept him out of action for almost the rest of the season.
The next two years were significantly better for the talented Dutchman and he came to the attention of the Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal. Flekken made his debut for the Oranje in March 2022 and he has since made another seven appearances in Euro qualifiers, the UEFA Nations League and friendlies. He was also in the squad for Euro 2024.
Flekken then played for Freiburg in the DFB Pokal final in 2021/22 (in a 4-2 defeat on penalties to RB Leipzig) and in 2022/23 he played for SCF in the Europa League. With more than 30 league appearances each season and impressive appearances, Flekken attracted the attention of Premier League club Brentford after five years at Freiburg.
The new Leverkusen player only missed one league game for the London side in 2023/24 and 2024/25. The 31-year-old now joins Bayer 04 with the experience of 80 Bundesliga and 74 Premier League appearances.
Flekken has two World Cup qualifiers for the Netherlands against Finland and Malta before his summer break.
A breathtaking and unforgettable highlight of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour: This Saturday, the Bayer 04 delegation visited the world-famous Christ the Redeemer Sanctuary, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. High above Rio de Janeiro, players, coaches, and staff enjoyed a stunning sunset view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana, Maracanã, and more.
Show more
Day five of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour starts on the training ground before a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Bayer04.de will keep you up-to-date with reports from Rio de Janeiro throughout Saturday (timings in local time).
Show more
The Bayer 04 Brazil Tour brought a surprising and emotional reunion of former teammates as current team manager Hans-Peter Lehnhoff met up with some of the club’s Brazilian legends, seeing some of them for the first time in 30 years.
Show more
Day four of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour is all about the Werkself friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team. Before the kick-off at the Estádio da Gávea today, Friday, 18 July, at 14:30 local time (19:30 CEST), the Werkself players will warm-up at the team hotel. In addition: A communal evening event with a view of the famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro. Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on the spot reports. Day four blog on the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings in local time).
Show more
The Werkself lost 5-1 against the Flamengo U20 team in the first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 season. The scorers for the Brazilian team, playing in the middle of their season, were Lorran (3’), an Arthur own goal (11’), Matheus Goncalves (40’), Pedro Leao (45+4’) and Gusttavo (55’). Head coach Erik ten Hag made several substitutions on 30 minutes and he made ten more changes on the hour mark. The Werkself were then more proactive on the pitch with the input from Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich and Co. bringing significantly more attacking moves that led to a number of chances. Montrell Culbreath netted a consolation strike on 71 minutes for the final score of 5-1.
Show more
