Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba as club captain ahead of the new Bundesliga season, with the defender succeeding Robert Andrich in the role.
Tapsoba, who joined the Rhineland club from Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães in 2020, described the appointment as a profound privilege that carries significant weight. “Being captain of this club means a great deal to me. Bayer Leverkusen is like a family to me. That’s why it’s a great honour, but also a great responsibility,” he told Sport BILD.
Motivation and Collective Responsibility
The centre-back revealed that the show of faith from the Bundesliga side has provided fresh incentive as he prepares to lead the team. “At the same time, it motivates me enormously to know that the club has trusted me since my first day. It’s difficult to find the right words for it. I simply hope that I can live up to this role,” he added.
Tapsoba emphasised a collective approach to leadership, stressing that the armband does not place the burden solely upon him. “For me, it’s not about just one player being captain. Especially in difficult moments, everyone has to take responsibility. On the pitch, everyone knows what their job is,” he explained.
He highlighted the squad’s unity as fundamental to their ethos. “The experienced players help the younger ones, and we make sure that new players quickly feel at home. That’s one of the secrets of this club,” he said.
Journey from Prospect to Leader
Reflecting on his four-year journey at the BayArena, Tapsoba traced his development from a young recruit to senior figure. “Looking back, I was just a young boy when I arrived in Leverkusen. Today, I’ve matured considerably, both as a footballer and as a person. These years have shaped me,” he said.
The 25-year-old credited his time in Germany with broader life lessons beyond the pitch. “Germany has taught me so much, not only in football but also for my life and my future. That’s why I want to continue developing and learning something new every day,” he added.
Tapsoba’s elevation to the captaincy represents a significant milestone in his career progression since moving from Vitória Guimarães, where he began his European journey before establishing himself in the Bundesliga.