Homegrown Katharina Prinz (left in photo) will play for FFC Recklinghausen in the Regional League West next season. Prinz started her playing career at Bayer 04 in 2009 and in 2013/14 she stepped up from the youth team to the senior squad before moving on to second division SV Meppen in 2016. The defender returned to her roots during the winter break in 2017/18. Prinz made a total of 30 appearances for Bayer 04.
Karoline Heinze (photo: centre) will be hanging up her boots. The 26-year-old, who joined Leverkusen from the then first division club FF USV Jena two years ago, has suffered from a thigh injury since the start of the season. Due to resulting back problems, she only made two appearances this term – out of a total of 19 games in a Bayer 04 shirt. Heinze is not completely giving up sport – she is studying Sport, Media and Communication at the German Sports University and now wants to focus on her master’s degree.
Saskia Meier came to Bayer 04 from Bundesliga club SC Sand in 2017. After relegation at the end of the 2016/17, she played a significant role in being promoted straight back to the the top flight in the next year. The defender played a total of 30 games for Leverkusen. The destination for the 23-year-old after the summer break remains to be confirmed.
Linda Schöttler, head of the women’s football section at Bayer 04: “We would like to thank all three players for their time here under the Bayer Cross and their commitment to our team. We wish them all the best for their future careers both sporting and professional.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026
Bayer 04 extend Noah Mbamba’s contract and loan the Belgian to FC Lorient
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
Show more
Women - 08.08.2026
Goal fest with a hat-trick from Kramer: Women’s team beat Feyenoord 7-0
Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026
Bayer 04 commit to continuity: contracts with Carro and Rolfes extended ahead of schedule
The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026
Season launch 2026: Special offers and free printing
There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
Show more
