Kicker rankings: Brandt in eighth place
The current ranking of German football sees Julian Brandt in eighth in the 'Wingers' section.
The 20-year-old is in the 'Up-and-coming group' behind Christian Pulisic (Dortmund), Thomas Müller (Bayern), Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg) and Serge Gnabry (Bremen). The two Bayern wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery plus Dortmund's Ousmane Dembelé are the only players named in the 'International class'.
The Kicker assessment of Julian Brandt reads: "Brandt, with his seven assists at the the Rio Olympics, played a key role in securing the silver medal for Germany. The quick technician has now found his feet in the league. Ever stronger since matchday ten with his goals and assists." Karim Bellarabi, who took third spot in the 'International' class in the summer of 2016, has not been considered this time round as he missed the whole of the first half of the season due to injury.
In the 'Strikers' category Chicharito was named amongst 'The prospects'. Kevin Volland is missing from the rankings due to a broken hand and muscle injury that has severely limited his number of appearances.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026
Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026
Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell
Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026
2026/27 summer timetable: season opener against Sevilla - friendlies in Germany
Bayer 04 plans for the 2026/27 pre-season continue to take shape. The Werkself will kick off the new season in mid-July with the return to the training ground. The highlight will be the official season opener on 8 August at the BayArena, including a friendly against La Liga club Sevilla. Friendlies in Germany will take the team to neighbouring Monheim, Offenbach and Jena.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026
Konstantinos Kotsifakis set for assistant coach role with Bayer 04 U19s
Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026
Runner-up for Pitch of the Year: Bayer 04 again recognised for outstanding pitch quality
Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
Show more
