June of last year. 10 months, 45 weeks or 317 days ago. Paulinho had just returned to Leverkusen after playing in an Olympic qualifier for the Brazil U23s. He felt he was “in good form” and “really integrated in the team” at that time. He was looking to play as many games as possible for Bayer 04 in 2020/21 and was working hard every day to achieve that target.
However, just before the DFB Cup final against Bayern Munich at the start of July, there was a massive setback in a training session in the shadow of the BayArena: a torn cruciate. A break of unpredictable length, rehab facilities instead of Bundesliga stadiums. Initially a big shock for the agile and technically-gifted football player from South America.
But giving up was not an option for Paulinho. At the Leverkusen ‘Werkstatt’, based in the BayArena, he started his individual programme – and with his comeback on the final matchday at Borussia Dortmund he made a positive finish to a season that will be one to forget for him.
In the thirteen-minute Bayer 04 TV documentary, the 20-year-old talks in detail about his time on the sidelines, the support of his family over those months. The Werkself team doctor Dr. Philipp Ehrenstein also shares his view, Carsten Rademacher (head of rehab therapy) and rehab coach Gregor Stumpf talk about getting the levels right in the sessions.
Exclusive insights into the rehab of our number 7 plus the home life with his Brazilian family in Germany – that and much more can be seen in ‘Never stop fighting’ on YouTube from Friday, 11 June at 16.00 CEST. HERE is the link.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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Calling Bayer 04 families – this matchday is all yours! As part of the Family Matchday on Sunday 20 September, not only will the Werkself take on RB Leipzig at 15:30 CEST but there will also be a variety of activity zones for young and old alike be set up around the BayArena. What’s more, genuine Bayer 04 rarities await Black and Red fans at the Fantrödel flea market. By taking part in the fan travel survey, Leverkusen supporters can help the club gather important information and even win a jersey before the Werkself hit the ground running against Leipzig on the pitch. The matchday news for RB Leipzig game.
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It has been a mixed start to the season for RB Leipzig. The team from Saxony have a flawless record at home but are less successful on the road to date. RBL are looking to change that in their away fixture at the BayArena on Sunday, 20 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). However, head coach Martin Demichelis will have to manage without a number of key players. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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With a flawless away record under their belts, the Bayer 04 women’s team travel to SC Freiburg. On Sunday 20 September (16:00 CEST), coach Roberto Pätzold’s side will be aiming for three points again, six days after their narrow defeat to Bayern Munich. The Werkself have emerged victorious from both of their away fixtures so far this season.
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