Back
12.10.2020Bayer 04

News in brief: Völler in German football Hall of Fame

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler plus a former coach and former player of Bayer 04 have been inducted into the illustrious circle of the Hall of Fame personalities, Florian Wirtz has been presented with the Fritz Walter medal, and Fabian Otto (director of finance and personnel at Bayer 04) and Co. have started work on the ‘Task force for the future of professional football’: Monday’s news in brief.
crop_imago0046706378h.jpg

Lothar Matthäus, Franz Beckenbauer, Uwe Seeler and Co. – the really big names are in the Hall of Fame at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Five new members were added a few days ago: German sports journalists have voted in Rudi Völler, Michael Ballack, Berti Vogts, Andreas Möller and Klaus Fischer. Völler was clearly extremely happy to receive this nomination: “It’s a great thing. Being counted amongst the inner circle of these wonderful and first-class players makes me proud and it’s not a given.”

The 60-year-old (90 international caps/46 goals) clocked up 62 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen during his playing career, Ballack (98/42) played a total of 114 times for the Werkself in Germany’s top flight. And Vogts also has a black and red past: He coached the Werkself for five months from November 2000.

Wirtz receives Fritz Walter medal

The DFB announced the decision in the middle of August but Florian Wirtz finally had it in his hands at the weekend: The Leverkusen player was presented with his gold Fritz Walter medal in the U17 category by Ronny Zimmermann, DFB vice-president for youth football. “Winning this medal has been a big target for me for a long time. That’s why it means a lot to me to receive this award now,” said Wirtz on dfb.de.

crop_DSCF6049-2.jpg
Honoured in the U17 category: Bayer 04 player Florian Wirtz shows his gold Fritz Walter metal. Source: DFB

The 17-year-old along with teammate Lennart Grill is currently with the Germany U21 squad. The Germany team play Bosnia-Herzegovina in a Euro U21 qualifier Tuesday 13 October (18.15 CEST/live on ProSieben MAXX).

With Fabian Otto: Task force starts work

On Tuesday 13 October, the ‘Task force for the future of professional football’ is discussing the lessons from the Covid-19 crisis for the first time since the group’s formation. A total of 35 experts in the fields of sport, politics, research, business and media were appointed to the working party by the DFL executive committee. This includes Fabian Otto, director of finance and personnel at Bayer 04. “I’m looking forward to being able to play a positive role in these important discussions for professional football. I’m keen to see the character of the group and hear their wide range of views,” said Otto after being appointed in the middle of September.

25_Football_90001_BuLi-Start-Clubs_DCM-P_814_1509_300x250.jpg

Related News

BayArena erstrahlt lila
Social Commitment - 03.12.2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - BayArena lights up purple

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated worldwide on 3 December. Together with Bayer AG, Bayer 04 is once again setting an example for diversity and inclusion by lighting up the BayArena in purple in the evening.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #BVBB04
DFB-Pokal - 02.12.2025

Matchday news #BVBB04: Over 7,000 fans in Dortmund - getting there early is strongly advised

For the second time in four days, Bayer 04 face Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday evening, 2 December (kick-off: 21:00 CET) - this time in the round of 16 of the DFB Pokal, with more than 7,000 fans supporting the Werkself at Signal Iduna Park. After the recent 2-1 defeat to BVB in the league, several cup stats provide hope of revenge for the Black and Reds. There are several reasons why Bayer 04 recommends getting to the round of 16 clash early, in which VAR will be in use, unlike in the previous rounds. Read on for further information on tonight’s game in our matchday news.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Pokalspiel in Dortmund | Achtelfinale DFB-Pokal
Werkself-TV - 01.12.2025

Hjulmand ahead of #BVBB04: ‘Expect another tight game’

Just three days on from the Bundesliga meeting in Leverkusen, Bayer 04 now visit Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal on Tuesday (21:00 CET). Ahead of the game at the Signal Iduna Park, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about how to approach this second encounter in 72 hours and a number of developments within the squad.

Show more
Werkself come up short 2-1 to Dortmund | 12th matchday
Werkself-TV - 29.11.2025

TV highlights of 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 12 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...

clubExklusivExclusive content Become a club member