Testimonial match for Werder Bremen legend Diego
Werder Bremen gave an emotional farewell for former No.10 Diego. On Saturday 22 March 2025, the Brazilian fan favourite returned to the Weser Stadium one last time for an official farewell match that saw a Werder XI triumph over an international XI involving other legends like Per Mertesacker and Cafu.
Diego's farewell testimonial in Bremen was characterised by positivity all round. From the fans to the players, there was a jubliant atmosphere about the Weserstadion all afternoon. There was no shortage of goals for the fans to enjoy either, with the Bremen Legends triumphing 6-5 over the Diego All-Stars in a hugely entertaining encounter and a suitable tribute to Werder's beloved Brazilian.
It took just eight minutes before the first goal was scored, courtesy of another Bremen fan favourite: Naldo. Diego, playing for the All-Stars in the first half, got his first of the afternoon just seven minutes later, which was met with delight from all corners of the Weserstadion. Diego's son Davi was then passed the torch as he made it three to the All-Stars. The sides headed in at the break with the All-Stars 4-1 up, with Júlio Baptista adding a fourth, before Aílton clawed one back for the Bremen legends.
Diego, who played a total of 132 games for Werder Bremen between 2006 and 2009, scoring 54 goals, says Bremen remain close to his heart: "Werder and the city of Bremen have always been special to me. I had three great years here and I owe an incredible debt to the club and the fans," he explained. His legendary 60-metre goal against Alemannia Aachen in 2007, which was even voted Germany's Goal of the Year, remains forever etched in the annals of club lore.
Watch: The best goals and assists by Bremen legend Diego
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Besides Diego, many former Bremen stars were in attendance, including Per Mertesacker, Marin, Naldo, Torsten Frings, and Petri Pasanen. Other international stars too such as Cafu, Julio Cesar, Nani, and Jefferson Farfan also featured. In addition to the wealth of retired legends present, Werder also managed to add a few current Bundesliga stars in Eintracht Frankfurt's Kauã Santos, Borussia Dortmund's Yan Couto, Heidenheim's Léo Scienza, and Wolfsburg's very own Maximilian Arnold, all in order to give the fans - and of course Diego himself - an unforgettable experience.
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