By Ultan Corcoran@UltanCorcoran

Tapsoba on the "great honour" of being appointed Leverkusen captain

The 27-year-old has taken over the captain's armband as he leads Carles Martinez's new-look side into the 2026-27 campaign.

Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images.

Overtaking Robert Andrich ahead of the new Bundesliga season, Edmond Tapsoba is beyond proud having been nominated as Bayer Leverkusen's new skipper.

“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 explained to Sport BILD.

"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.”

“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.

“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 added.

The Burkina Faso international, who first joined Leverkusen back in 2020 from Vitória Guimarães, took a moment to reflect on his development at the Rhineland club.

"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.

“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.