Henrichs is hoping to make his debut for Germany in the World Cup qualifier in San Marino or in the friendly in Italy.
The 19-year-old, who has been at Bayer 04 since childhood, has been a regular in the Werkself squad this season. Whether at right or left back "opponents find it difficult to get past Benny," said Schmidt who has played Henrichs for the full 90 minutes in 13 of the 15 competitive games this season. Henrichs made his debut for the Germany U21 team a month ago.
Five predecessors
From the Kurtekotten Academy to the German national team – five other players proceeding along that route. In 1988 Knut Reinhardt received his call-up to the national team, Gonzalo Castro followed in 2007, René Adler in 2008 and Stefan Reinartz in 2010. The last Bayer 04 player was Christoph Kramer before the 2014 World Cup and now this honour goes to Benjamin Henrichs.
It's a great day for me today. I'm really happy about the call-up, it's a special honour and a great challenge," said Henrichs before adding: "I'll give 100 per cent to play well for the national team."
And Rudi Völler was also happy to hear the news. "The call-up is a wonderful thumbs up for Benny and also for youth development at Bayer 04. Everybody at the club is happy for him – Benny has earned this chance through his performances over recent months,” said the sporting director.
Five Leverkusen players in the squad
Löw has called up four other Leverkusen players: Kevin Volland, Julian Brandt, Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah. Volland has eight full international caps, Brandt four. Tah and Leno have made two appearances for Germany.
The match in San Marino is on Friday 11 November at 20.45 CET and the friendly against Italy is on Tuesday 15 November at 20.45 CET in Milan.
This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.
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Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Despite a severely depleted squad and being a player down, the Bayer 04 Women made a winning start to their 2026 campaign. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 2-1 at newly promoted FC Union Berlin on Friday night thanks to a last-minute goal. Vanessa Fudalla scored from a direct free-kick (78') and Kristin Kögel (90+2’) in stoppage time for the Werkself, who were reduced to ten players on 68 minutes, on an atmospheric stage at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. As a result, the Black and Reds are now fifth in the table for at least one night at the start of matchday 15.
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The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.
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