Leverkusen: Edmond Tapsoba promoted to team captain

Burkinabé defender becomes the face of the Bundesliga club's new project

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Leverkusen: Edmond Tapsoba promoted to team captain

29.08.26 09:30 Bundesliga Germany

Elversberg

Bayer Leverkusen

Change of guard at Leverkusen. Edmond Tapsoba has been appointed captain of Bayer Leverkusen for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.

The 27-year-old defender wore the armband throughout pre-season. This promotion comes amid a transitional phase for the club, which lost several key pillars in 2025. Charismatic captain Granit Xhaka has left, as has defensive leader Jonathan Tah. The situation of Robert Andrich, who is attracting numerous offers, remains uncertain for the coming season.

Six and a half years of service to Bayer

Tapsoba joined the club in January 2020 from Vitória Guimarães for €18 million and is now one of the squad's longest-serving players alongside Exequiel Palacios. Over six and a half years, Tapsoba has shown tremendous development, displaying defensive solidity and composure in building attacks, and has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's top defenders.

New season, new captain: Edmond Tapsoba ©️ pic.twitter.com/MLaKpFTcOu
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 21, 2026

He has also improved his reading of the game and become decisive in front of goal. The Burkinabé extended his contract last April until 2031. With 394 professional appearances, including more than 250 for Leverkusen and 62 caps for the Stallions, Tapsoba is entering a new phase of his career.

A strong message for the future

Leverkusen is placing Tapsoba at the heart of its new project thanks to his talent, consistency, and experience. This appointment also sends a clear message in the transfer market. As the Premier League stirs with interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle, the German side is demonstrating its determination to keep its defensive rock. The captain's armband confirms that the Burkinabé international will start the season in Bayer colors.