Back
20.05.2022Bayer 04

Völler in Querétaro: A trip down memory lane

No other community project is as close to Rudi Völler’s heart as this one: The former Germany international visited the orphanage in the city of Querétaro in 1986 during the World Cup in Mexico. That was the beginning of a relationship between the future 1990 World Cup winner and the charitable institution that still exists 36 years later. During the #Bayer04MexicoTour, Völler has now returned to Querétaro accompanied by his successor Simon Rolfes – and he brought a generous cheque for the orphanage as well as lots of presents for the 40 children there.
IMG_2068.jpg

It was probably the most moving moment of many with the visit of Rudi Völler and Simon Rolfes to the Casa de Cuna (in English: orphanage): In the inner courtyard of the school, between two football nets, colourful toy houses and slides, José Antonio de Nuñes Vera spoke to express his gratitude for the support from Germany with tears in his eyes. The 77-year-old is not only the president of the orphanage at Querétaro but he also looks after the health of the children in his role as a paediatric doctor.

start during the 1986 world cup

Völler has been an ambassador for the Egidius Braun Foundation for decades. The now 62-year-old first visited the orphanage in 1986 when he was playing for Germany. Just before the start of the World Cup, a small delegation from the German Football Association (DFB) came to Querétaro during the World Cup finals in Mexico. Alongside Völler were the then head of delegation Egidius Braun, coach Franz Beckenbauer and goalkeeper Toni Schumacher. “Of course, images from that time come to mind here. Back then we saw that a lot of help was needed here and we wanted to get involved,” said Völler immediately after arriving at the orphanage. “So, it’s all the better to see what’s happened here in the last 36 years. I’m very moved by the work here and I’d like to thank the people who have done so much for the well-being of the children beyond this place.”

IMG_1998.jpg

The departing sporting managing director at the Werkself met up with one or two people from 1986 during his two-hour visit – that included the former general consul Christoph Bauer who received the small Bayer 04 delegation with open arms like everybody else present.

Presents for the children

Völler and Rolfes presented the management of the orphanage with a cheque from Bayer 04 in the sum of €10,000. Sporting director Rolfes, who like Völler is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Egidius Braun Foundation: “You can see with everybody here that there is immense gratitude for the support. Of course, I will do everything I can over the coming years with my colleagues to carry on the work Rudi has done over all these years with great commitment and passion.”

 

IMG_2095.jpg

Following on from the official part of the visit, the Leverkusen sporting management presented small Brian the Lion cuddly toys to the 40 children. On top of that, Völler and Rolfes donated a football table in Bayer 04 colours, which the kids tested out immediately.

Tour of the orphanage

The Bayer 04 delegation were then given a tour of the orphanage that is divided into education and living areas. Völler and Rolfes met a small girl on the arm of one of the caring members of staff at the orphanage in the dormitory. The child had only arrived two days ago but she will have a caring home in the future at the orphanage in Querétaro – also due to the long-standing support of people like Egidius Braun and Rudi Völler…

 

Related News

Montrell Culbreath für die DFB-U19
Bayer 04 - 08.06.2026

Culbreath in Germany squad for U19 Euros - Onyeka also called up

Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.

Show more
Erstes Interview von Carles Martìnez als Cheftrainer in Leverkusen
Werkself-TV - 05.06.2026

First interview with Carles Martìnez as Leverkusen head coach

Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.

Show more
Die PK zur Vorstellung des neuen Cheftrainers Carles Martínez
Werkself-TV - 05.06.2026

Carles Martínez: 'The fans should enjoy our football'

New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.

Show more
Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.

Show more
Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell

Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.

Show more