Tapsoba says he sees himself as German after emotional documentary premiere

Burkina Faso international Edmond Tapsoba was at the centre of an emotional premiere as Bayer 04 Leverkusen unveiled a documentary charting his journey from Ouagadougou to the Bundesliga at the BayArena on Tuesday night.

Family members, friends from Burkina Faso, club directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, head coach Kasper Hjulmand and teammates gathered for the first screening.

The event highlighted his rise in German football and his strong bond with the club. Tapsoba expressed gratitude to those who supported him, especially his parents, saying their sacrifices shaped his career.

“It means everything to me that all of them are here. Without them, especially my parents, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said a visibly grateful Tapsoba. “I’ve been at Bayer 04 for more than six years now, and today I already see myself as a German. (laughs) The club is already part of my family!”

Club managing director Carro described the screening as deeply emotional, praising Tapsoba’s journey since arriving more than six years ago.

“I had tears in my eyes, it was very powerful for me. You’ve been with us for six and a half years, we’ve lived and achieved so much together. You can be very proud of yourself and your family.”

Sporting director Rolfes also recalled the unusual circumstances of his signing, revealing that the defender completed his transfer shortly before a deadline while undergoing medical checks in hospital due to travel delays.

“I remember the first day exactly. There were problems with the flight, so Eddy could only travel the next morning. Because of that delay, he is still the only player who signed a contract with us during his medical examination at the hospital, and that just 25 minutes before the transfer window closed. (laughs) Since then, a special relationship has developed between him, us and the club. And it was the beginning of a fantastic journey and a very successful period together.”

The documentary also follows a production trip during the March international break, when a Bayer 04 Media House team travelled with Tapsoba to Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.

The film, titled Fierté Burkinabè, focuses on his roots, personal pride and the unifying role of football. It presents a rare, intimate portrait of the defender’s upbringing and the environment that shaped his values before his move to Europe.

Through this lens, the project connects his life in Germany with his origins in Burkina Faso, reflecting the dual influences that define his career and identity.

A key focus of the documentary is Tapsoba’s off-field contribution through the Fondation Edmond Tapsoba, which supports access to education, healthcare and basic needs for children and women in Burkina Faso.

The production underlines his status as a key figure in Leverkusen’s modern era, both on and off the pitch.

After more than six years at the club, he has become an established presence in the squad while building a life that bridges two countries.