The first stop was at the Bayer AG headquarters in the south of São Paulo. Some 200 guests were present including a large number of Bayer employees. The event was also streamed live to other Bayer locations in Latin America. Simon Rolfes talked about the long-standing connection between Bayer 04 and the country through Brazilian players who have appeared for the Werkself, and he also once again reviewed the historic double winning season.
"We know we already have a lot of fans in Brazil for decades through our history with lots of Brazilian players. We also have a strong connection to the Bayer Group here," said Rolfes before adding: "Therefore, it's important for us to be here on the spot to share last year's fantastic season with you. Bringing the trophies here goes without saying for us because Brazilian players and fans were always, and are now too, an important part of our success." Afterwards Rolfes fielded a host of questions in a relaxed session with the audience. Of course, selfies with the three trophies were in great demand.
Arturo Sánchez, president of Bayer Consumer Health Latin America and Asia/Pacific, was also delighted: "I'm happy to be able to welcome Bayer 04 here. I believe there are a lot of parallels between the Bayer company structure and a football team. In our company we have to produce results and always think about the strategies needed so we can win in the market. And in football it's about being successful and dealing with the challenge of meeting the constant pressure. Bayer 04 were outstanding in that respect last season. We are proud to be part of it." Rolfes, Paulo Sergio, Bayer 04 legend and 1994 World Cup winner, plus Kim Falkenberg, head of recruitment at Bayer 04, rounded off the afternoon with an official presentation of a jersey to Sánchez.
Later in the evening, there was a Champions Night organised by Bayer Brazil for partners and invited members of the media. Here too, the trophies were the most popular subject to photo. Sergio provided an emotional summary of the day: "Being a Bayer 04 ambassador and bringing the club closer to Bayer Brazil and the people here in my home country means very much to me. I've worked towards achieving that."
Rolfes, Sergio and Co. have a meeting with the German-Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade on Wednesday. Bayer 04 are also set to conclude a partnership with the Plastiks company and visit a green mining recycling station.
Derby time in the Rhineland! After a successful September, the Bayer 04 Women are away to FC Köln on Sunday, 4 October. In the Bundesliga match kicking off at 18:30 CEST at the Franz Kremer Stadium (live on MagentaSport and DAZN), coach Roberto Pätzold is counting on the return of a number of players who have been absent through injury.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Axel Tape for the time being.
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A special tribute to a German football legend: The pay-TV channel Sky has dedicated a documentary worth watching to the current Germany sporting director and former Bayer 04 player and sporting director Rudi Völler. In addition to Völler's impressive career, assessments from contemporaries and very private insights, the 90-minute film also covers his many years of commitment to Bayer 04. "Rudi Völler - The one and only" is now available exclusively on Sky and the associated streaming service WOW.
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The second international break of the 2025/26 season will begin after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin (Saturday, 4 October, 15:30 CEST). The latest information on call-ups.
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Alejo Sarco and Argentina won their second group match at the U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday night. They beat Australia 4-1 with Sarco setting the tone early with a goal in the third minute. As in the first group game against Cuba, where Sarco scored twice, the 19-year-old was also named "Player of the Match" against Australia.
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