Ahead of the kick-off against SC Paderborn, Rudi and Kies were presented with honorary captain pennants by Fernando Carro, chairman of the board, and sporting managing director Rudi Völler. There are four selection criteria: At least 10 years with the Werkself, at least 300 competitive matches, including over 100 games as captain or deputy plus an outstanding personality.
Both goalkeeper Rüdiger Vollborn and striker Stefan Kießling have left a lasting impression on the history of Bayer 04. Vollborn, the Werkself player with the most appearances in the Bundesliga (401), was in goal for the UEFA Cup win in 1988 as well as for the DFB Cup victory in 1993. The massive extent to which Stefan Kießling is valued by the fans was evident by the emotional moments in May 2018 at the end of his career when the whole stadium honoured him in the home game against Hannover and deservedly celebrated him with a moving choreography.
Welcome to the illustrious club of honorary captains, Rudi and Kies!
After just two points from their last four games, the situation has become trickier for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the bottom third of the table. Only three points separate the Foals from the relegation play-off spot. Coach Eugen Polanski's team is under pressure ahead of the home game against the Werkself on Saturday, 7 February (kick-off: 18:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Calling all eSports fans: On Saturday, 21 February (from 16:00 CET), the Werkself Wildcard Cup will take place at XPERION Köln (Hansaring 97, 50670 Cologne). Interested EA FC 26 amateur players will have the opportunity to win attractive prizes and a place in the VBL Open Play-offs by WOW. The play-offs are the final preliminary stage of the VBL Grand Final by WOW, the tournament for the German individual championship and, alongside the club championship (VBL CC), the most important sub-competition in the German eSports scene. Read on for information on registration.
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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.
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Another efficient performance from the Werkself in the 3-0 home win against FC St. Pauli saw them reach the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third time in a row, and it was not the only record set on what was a successful evening. It meant head coach Kasper Hjulmand was delighted to "still be in with the chance of winning something". Like the coach, however, the ambitious Edmond Tapsoba also stated that he wanted to keep "improving" bit by bit: "We'll continue to give our all, no matter who we come up against." The Werkself review of the clash.
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