In memory of Hans Benzler
Bayer 04 mourn former goalkeeper Hans Benzler. The Regional League keeper for the Werkself (1967-1969) passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday night.
Hans Benzler, who started his playing career with the youth section at SpVgg Beckum, then played for VfR Mannheim from 1958 to 1967 in the then top flight of the Oberliga South. In the summer of 1967, the then 31-year-old joined Bayer 04 where he became a fan favourite thanks to his outstanding performances in goal with the nickname of 'grandad'. His displays in goal helped Bayer 04 lift the Regional League West title in 1968. However, he was on the losing side in the promotion decider in a 2-1 defeat at Kickers Offenbach - the Werkself missed out on promotion to the Bundesliga. Hans Benzler retired in 1969.
Related News
Women - 05.02.2026
Women’s Bundesliga sets course for next steps
At its first general meeting on 5 February 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, the Frauen Bundesliga FBL e.V. made key decisions regarding the future direction of the Women’s Bundesliga. The meeting was based on the results of the negotiations with the German Football Association (DFB) over the past few weeks.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 03.02.2026
TV highlights of 3-0 win against St. Pauli in DFB Pokal quarter-final
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 3-0 win against FC St. Pauli in the quarter-final of the DFB-Pokal 2025/26...
Show more
DFB-Pokal - 03.02.2026
3-0 against St. Pauli - Werkself through to Pokal semi-finals for third time in a row
Once again in the last four! Bayer 04 put in a mature and, for long stretches, commanding performance to defeat a courageous FC St. Pauli in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the third time in a row. Martin Terrier gave Leverkusen the lead on 32 minutes before Patrik Schick made it 2-0 on 63 minutes. Substitute Jonas Hofmann capped off a strong second half for the Werkself with the third goal in added time.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 03.02.2026
Vote now for Quansah as BL Rookie of the Month for January
The German Football League (DFL) has announced the three candidates for the title of Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for January. That includes Werkself player Jarell Quansah. Fans of Bayer 04 can vote for their favourite on the Bundesliga app from now until Thursday, 5 January (23:59 CET).
Show more
DFB-Pokal - 03.02.2026
Matchday news #B04FCSP: DFB Pokal quarter-final against battling St. Pauli
As in the past two years, the Werkself are aiming to come out on top in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals on Tuesday night, 3 February (kick-off: 20:45 CET). With eleven home games in a row without defeat against the Kiezkicker, the Black and Reds go into the floodlit match in confident mood. But the Pokal, as is often said, has its own magic and the team from the Millerntor has much more to offer than the current 17th place in the Bundesliga would suggest. After all, Bayer 04 are one of the big German teams the combative Hamburgers have already made life difficult for this season. The matchday news.
Show more
