"Rafaela Borggräfe has developed into a top keeper over many years in Freiburg and has also gained international experience by moving to another top league," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women sporting director: "After some injury-related concerns in this position, she now completes our goalkeeper team, so we are well prepared for the challenges in the coming months."
Borggräfe played for SC Freiburg from 2013 to 2024, interrupted by a one-year loan to FC Aarau in Switzerland in 2020/21. She has played a total of 59 Bundesliga matches for Freiburg since making her debut in 2021 and reached the DFB Pokal final in 2019 and 2023. Last summer, the 25-year-old signed for Liverpool, where she made four appearances. She progressed through all the Germany youth teams and was selected for the senior national team for the first time in December 2024. Borggräfe was also in the extended squad for Euro 2025.
"I'm really looking forward to my time at Bayer 04 and to concentrating fully on our joint targets," says Borggräfe: "I want to take on responsibility here and play my part in the team's success."
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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