This friendly fixture will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the 2024 Bundesliga champions, 2024 German Cup and domestic Super Cup winners under the guidance of Leverkusen's new manager, Erik ten Hag. The game will serve as the high point of the team’s ten-day visit and training camp in Rio, as the club strengthens ties with Brazilian football and the country’s passionate fanbase. It is the first time ever that a Bundesliga holds preseason preparations in Brazil.
“Brazil has always held a special place in Bayer 04's history, with numerous Brazilian players contributing to our club's success over the decades,” said the club's Managing Director of Sport, Simon Rolfes. “This friendly against Flamengo's U20 is not just a match, it's a celebration of our shared footballing heritage and another step towards deepening our connection with fans in Brazil.”
While technically a youth side, Flamengo U20 are anything but ordinary and will be in full competition mode. The Rio-based squad is currently competing in the top tier of Brazil’s U20 Championship and were the 2024 U20 World Champions. Earlier this year, they were crowned for the second time in a row as U20 Copa Libertadores champions, earning them a spot in the prestigious Intercontinental U20 Cup against FC Barcelona this August—where South America’s best meets Europe’s elite.
“Facing one of the best age group teams in the world is an ideal start for summer. They represent one of the strongest youth programmes in football, and the level of talent, intensity and technical quality they bring will be a valuable early test for our squad,” added Rolfes, highlighting the sporting significance of the game.
Estádio da Gávea features a natural grass surface and is located in the scenic Lagoa neighborhood just half a kilometer from world-famous Leblon Beach. It features views of Twin Brothers and Pedra da Gávea mountains and Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The pitch was used as a training ground by the Netherlands national team during the 2014 World Cup.
Leverkusen's training camp in Brazil will include various activities aimed at community engagement and brand expansion throughout the visit, reflecting the club's commitment to its growing fanbase in Latin America. The friendly match at Estádio da Gávea is anticipated to be the tour’s highlight, offering fans an opportunity to witness the team's preparations and ten Hag’s first game in charge ahead of the 2025–26 Bundesliga season. A tribute to several former Bayer 04 legends from Brazil is planned during the game.
More information on the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour 2025 schedule will be announced soon.
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Former Werkself star Jorginho visited Leverkusen at the weekend accompanied by children from his social project 'Bola Pra Frente' in Rio de Janeiro. The 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil and his group were guests at Bayer 04's Bundesliga home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday and the first team training session on Monday. At the subsequent meet & greet with Werkself professional Arthur, a few tears of joy were shed by some of the beaming children. "I always feel very good when I come here, I really feel at home here," said the now 61-year-old Jorginho, beaming with joy and gratitude on his return to the BayArena.
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