Back
29.07.2016Bayer 04

Wendell – Alpine panorama in place of the Copacabana

When the Olympic football tournament starts in Brasilía on Thursday night Wendell will be over 9,000 kilometres away. Torn ankle ligaments, suffered at the end of April, ruled him out and ended his dream.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

The cheerful left back shows no sign of sadness now. Quite the opposite: Wendell quickly came to terms with his situation and is now working hard to make a comeback as soon as possible.

And that might happen soon. The talented Brazilian missed out on the previous friendlies but has been busy on the training ground in every session at the Werkself training camp in Austria. “I’m incredibly happy to be back,” he said with his eyes lighting up like a young child at Christmas: “I feel really good again. Simply muito bem!”

It was a different story straight after the injury. Understandable given Wendell missed the Bundesliga run-in. “I needed a couple of days, ” he admitted. But the Brazilian was able to count on the support of his family. Not just his wife and child living with him in the Rhineland but also on his parents who flew over straight away from Brazil to look after their youngest. Wendell had intended to visit them before the Olympic Games but his focus was on rehab so he stayed in Leverkusen.

No holiday but all the sacrifice has paid off. Wendell wants to be back to his best for the start of the season. “So we can have as much fun and success as a team just like last season,” he said. Until then he will watch the matches at the Olympic Games on the television and Wendell is already looking forward to a Final between Germany, with Lars Bender and Julian Brandt, and Brazil with his Brazilian friends including Neymar. And who does he want to win? “A difficult question but perhaps a win for us Brazilians would be a bit more important.”

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

04 Fragen an Edmond Tapsoba | Vertragsverlängerung nach Doku-Premiere
Werkself-TV - 29.04.2026

Tapsoba on his contract extension until 2031: 'A very special day for me'

A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...

Show more
Preview zur Doku „Fierté Burkinabè“
Bayer 04 - 28.04.2026

Emotional preview of ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ - Tapsoba's parents and close companions from Burkina Faso also at the BayArena

This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.

Show more
Thomas Eichin, Carolin Simon und Achim Feifel
Women - 28.04.2026

Former Germany international Carolin Simon rejoins Bayer 04

Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Achim Feifel mit Lobke Loonen
Women - 27.04.2026

Bayer 04 Women sign Dutch striker Lobke Loonen

Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.

Show more
Frauen feiern souveränen Heimsieg gegen Freiburg | 23. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 26.04.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 4-1 win against SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 4-1 win against SC Freiburg on the 23rd matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more