News centre
Werkself
Diaby and Doué get to work in open training session
“Welcome home” was the message from a visually emotional fan in the direction of Moussa Diaby after Wednesday’s open training session. The French winger had just appeared on the BayArena training ground for the first time in three years following his return to Bayer 04. And before he took time for selfies and autographs, Diaby spoke to the media. Fellow new arrival Guéla Doué was also in action but not with the team for now.
Show more
Bayer 04 sign Ivorian international Guéla Doué
Bayer 04 have signed the Ivory Coast international Guéla Doué. The 1.87-metre-tall right-back, who will wear the number 20 jersey, joins the club from French top-flight side Racing Strasbourg. Doué, who played in all four of the Ivory Coast matches at the World Cup in North America, has signed a contract in Leverkusen until 30 June 2031.
Show more
A World Cup player from Ligue 1: Profile of new signing Guéla Doué
Thirteen years at Rennes, two seasons at Strasbourg, the World Cup this summer – and now Leverkusen. After more than a decade in France and a wealth of experience at both national and international level, the Ivorian right-back Guéla Doué has embarked on the next chapter of his career. The 23-year-old is leaving the French league for the first time to join Bayer 04 and is now looking forward with great anticipation to his future at the club, where he will wear the number 20 jersey. “I’m now keen to make the move to the Bundesliga,” declared Doué. “To a club that really impressed me during our talks.”
Show more
Arthur joins Werder Bremen on loan
Bayer 04 have loaned Brazilian full-back Arthur to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen for one year. Arthur Augusto de Matos Soares – the full name of the right-back – has a contract with Leverkusen until 30 June 2031. At Werder, the 23-year-old is expected to make an impact and help the long-established club further consolidate their position in the Bundesliga.
Show moreWomen
Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
Show more
Bayer 04 Women ‘fully convinced of squad’s quality’ ahead of Hoffenheim visit
Following last weekend’s big game against Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Women face another exciting challenge as they visit Hoffenheim to kick off Matchday 3 in the Google Pixel Bundesliga on Friday (kick-off: 18:30 CEST).
Show more
Ruby Grant joins Sporting CP
Midfielder Ruby Grant is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and joining Portuguese runners-up Sporting CP a year before her contract expires. The 24-year-old has been at the Werkself since January 2025.
Show more
Carlotta Wamser leaves Bayer 04 for Manchester City
Carlotta Wamser has completed a move away from Bayer 04 Women to join Manchester City in England’s Women’s Super League. The 22-year-old Germany international spent one year with the Werkself.
Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg on the 2nd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
Show moreYouth
Construction work on the Talent House in Leverkusen has begun
Construction work on the ‘Haus der Talente’ or ‘Talent House’ in Leverkusen officially began on Wednesday, 26 August, with the customary ground-breaking ceremony. The new home for 36 young athletes aged between 14 and 18 is being built between the Löwenburg nursery and Elisabeth-Langgässer-Straße. This includes young footballers, as well as young people from other team sports, athletics and parasports. They will live together in residential groups under the supervision of teaching staff.
Show more
Bayer 04 loan Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch club
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
Show more
Bayer 04 confirmed as a DFB women’s talent development centre
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
Show more
Andrea Natali joins AZ Alkmaar on permanent deal
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
Show more
Bayer 04 agree long-term deal with Gabriel Minutillo
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed 16-year-old midfield prospect Gabriel Minutillo on a long-term contract. The Germany youth international will play for the U19s this season.
Show moreMembership
Season launch: Club members take on the players at UHS
Have you always wanted to test your skills against the Werkself players? At the 2026 season launch on Saturday 8 August, as a Bayer 04 Club member, you have the chance to make that dream come true! Apply now, up to and including Sunday 2 August, and secure your place to take on Bundesliga players in a wide variety of challenges on the pitch at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The selected Club members will also each receive two tickets for the season launch.
Show more
Season launch: Exclusive Q&A with Simon Rolfes and Thomas Eichin
Fancy asking the Bayer 04 managing director sport and the director of professional teams a question? You have the chance to do just that at the exclusive members’ event as part of the 2026 season launch. Following the men’s friendly against Sevilla on Saturday 8 August, Simon Rolfes and Thomas Eichin will be on hand to answer questions from Club members at the Schwadbud. Apply now, up to and including Sunday 2 August, to secure your place and find out from the pair everything you’ve always wanted to know. The selected club members will also each receive two tickets for the season launch.
Show more
Season launch: Löwenclub guard of honour for first teams
Great moments for our youngest fans: As part of the 2026 season launch on Saturday 8 August, the Bayer 04 men’s and women’s Bundesliga teams will once again be greeted by a Löwenclub guard of honour before their pre-season friendlies. Are you a member of the Löwenclub and would like to see the Werkself players up close? Then apply now, by Sunday 2 August, for one of these coveted places! In addition, all selected participants will receive two free tickets from Bayer 04 for the season launch – one for themselves and one for a guest.
Show more
Vote now for your 2025/26 Player of the Season
With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
Show more
Women: Vote now for your 2025/26 Player of the Season
With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
Show moreFans
‘Celebrating in our Hearts!’: A permanent memorial space at the BayArena
Starting with the 2026/27 season, Bayer 04 has created a permanent memorial space at the BayArena. In the upper section of Block A in the southeast corner of the stadium, Werkself fans can honour friends and family members with whom they have shared many special moments connected to Bayer 04. In the coming months, this space will be gradually expanded, in particular with the active support of the fans.
Show more
Fanwelt event following UEL draw: Autograph session with Culbreath and Sergio
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
40 Years Across Europe: Bayer 04 unveil first European kit
40 years of European nights, unforgettable moments and great stories. With the new European jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and kit supplier New Balance are celebrating the club’s history in European competitions under the epic slogan ‘40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.’ The European jersey is now available from the Bayer 04 web shop and the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
Show more
This Friday at the Fanwelt: European jersey autograph session with Culbreath and Sergio
Here we go: the Bayer 04 European jersey has landed, and the draw for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League is coming up tomorrow. To mark the start of the 2026/27 European campaign, Bayer 04 are hosting an autograph session on Friday afternoon, 28 August, from 15:00 to 15:30 CEST at the Fanwelt, with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio. Brian the Lion will also be there.
Show more
“Rudi invites”: Fascinating insights ‘from being founded to rise to the top’
Once again, well over 100 Werkself fans were delighted to receive an invitation from the club’s record appearance-maker, Rüdiger Vollborn, to the sold-out Schwadbud at the BayArena. This time, the supporters listened as the club historian provided fascinating, exclusive insights into the period from Bayer 04 being founded in 1904 to the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 1979. A journey through time is also planned for the upcoming ‘Rudi lädt ein’ event in early November – this time focusing on the years of the Nazi regime.
Show moreeSports
#B04eSports: The eSports jersey for the 2026/27 season
Kicking off the new season with a fresh look: Bayer 04, in collaboration with sportswear manufacturer New Balance, has unveiled the official kit for Leverkusen’s e-Sports players for the coming season. The jersey is now available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show more
Bayer 04 represented in Bundesliga Team of the Season again
Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the German Football League (DFL), announced the top male and female selections for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season this week. Bayer 04 striker Vanessa Fudalla is in the starting eleven of the women's "Team of the Season". Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix Garcia have been selected as bench players in the men's team.
Show more
#B04eSports: Sean Landwehr with chance of title win
Sean Landwehr will be fighting for the German Individual Championship in the final phase of the VBL Grand Final by WOW at the weekend. After the successful online preliminary round last week, the grand final event will be played on Saturday, 18 April and Sunday, 19 April at XPERION in Hamburg. The matches will be broadcast live on Twitch and YouTube. Read on for more information.
Show more
Vote now: 04 Werkself players nominated for Bundesliga Team of the Season 2025/26
Vote now! Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA) and the German Football League (DFL) have launched the vote for the annual Bundesliga Team of the Season. Fans of the Werkself now have the opportunity to nominate 04 Werkself players for the top eleven of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Edmond Tapsoba, Alejandro Grimaldo, Aleix Garcia and Ibrahim Maza have been nominated. Voting closes on Friday, 17 April (18:00 CEST).
Show more
#B04eSports: Sean Landwehr through to Grand Final knockout phase
The Black and Reds continue to fight for the title: Sean Landwehr has secured a place in the final phase of the VBL Grand Finals by WOW. The Leverkusen-born gamer qualified for the knockout phase of the German Individual Championships in the intermediate round. Cousin Marc Landwehr unfortunately missed out on a place in the offline final event.
Show moreSustainability
‘Holidays without war’: Bayer 04, TSV and Bayer AG support summer camp for children from Ukraine
Under the slogan ‘Holidays without War’, 60 children from war-torn Ukraine took part in the summer camp organised by the German-Ukrainian association Blau-Gelbes Kreuz in Leverkusen and the surrounding area in August. The children aged between 10 and 14 – many of whom have lost their parents in the war – come from the Ukrainian twin towns of Leverkusen, Cologne and Monheim am Rhein: Nikopol, Dnipro and Volodymyr. Bayer 04, Bayer AG and TSV Bayer 04 supported the camp to mark its 10th anniversary, enabling even more children and young people than in previous years to spend a few carefree days’ holiday away from the war in the Rhineland.
Show more
WERKSELFgo: Bayer 04 launches carpool portal for all Werkself games
Starting now, Bayer 04 is launching a carpool portal, WERKSELFgo, allowing fans to get team up and travel together to home and away matches of the men's and women's teams.
Show more
Inclusion in Black and Red: The Inklusionswerkself wow the crowds at the Genuine Cup 2026
Nine matches against teams from nine countries, two penalty shoot-outs won, and encounters that went far beyond football: As with last year, the Inklusionswerkself enjoyed an extraordinary week at the Genuine Cup 2026 in Houston, USA, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, the Leverkusen side took part as Germany’s official representatives and, accordingly, took to the pitch in Germany kit. Together with 53 teams from 53 nations, the Black and Reds once again sent a powerful message of inclusion and participation – and also impressed on the pitch by winning their group.
Show more
Diversity under the Cross: Bayer 04 at Pride on the Rhine in Leverkusen
Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
Show moreBusiness
Bayer 04 partners with DXC Technology for AI integration
Bayer 04 has secured a new premium partner in DXC Technology, a leading provider of enterprise technology and innovation. The club has agreed a partnership with DXC running until 30 June 2028. At the heart of the partnership is DXC’s role as an AI integration partner. The company is integrating Bayer 04’s previously separate digital systems into a unified fan journey that begins long before matchday and extends well beyond the stadium visit. As a partner of the women’s team and main sponsor of #B04eSports, DXC will be supporting two promising sections of the club during this period. DXC will also gain significant visibility as the sleeve partner of the women’s team in the DFB Pokal.
Show more
New premium partner for Bayer 04: DRIVIO keeps Werkself on the road
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured a new premium partner in the form of DRIVIO. DRIVIO, already part of the club’s partner portfolio as a reliable car subscription partner for Bayer 04, will continue to support the club in this capacity and, with immediate effect, also join the premium group of companies that cooperate closely with the Werkself. The premium and car subscription partnership between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and DRIVIO will initially run until 30 June 2027.
Show more
Carro, Rolfes and co. at the 2026 sponsors season-launch event
Getting in the mood for the new season together, exchanging ideas and looking ahead to the coming months: Bayer 04 welcomed partners to the BayArena for the annual sponsors season-launch event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the management, head coach and players came together with representatives from partner companies to celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season.
Show more
Imping is Bayer 04’s new coffee partner
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
Show more
s2-Software remains Bayer 04 Women’s team sleeve sponsor
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team and s2-Software are continuing their long-term partnership: The Werkself and the provider of pre-owned Microsoft licences have extended their contract by two years to 2028. This means s2-Software will remain the Bayer 04 sleeve sponsor for all matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
Show moreHistory
Werkself Team of the Quarter-Century: Wirtz and Alonso top the poll – Tapsoba and Rolfes in starting XI
You have voted – your ‘Team of the Quarter-Century’ has been decided! This historic selection, covering the period from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2024, features honorary captains, Bundesliga champions, double winners and Champions League finalists. Edmond Tapsoba is the only player from the current Bayer 04 squad to make it into the starting XI, while his team-mate Patrik Schick is on the bench. Simon Rolfes, the current managing director sport, is also in the lie-up. A truly special team that brings together a quarter of a century of Bayer 04 history – and has left a decisive mark on the club.
Show more
2025/26 season review, part I: Upheaval, change, euphoria
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
Show more
2024/25 season review, part I: High expectations of invincible double winners
With the clash at Mainz 05 on the 34th and final matchday of the 2024/25 Bundesliga, another eventful season came to an end. The Werkself finished as runners-up in second place and can be proud of the joint third-best points tally in the club's history. Bayer04.de takes a look back - firstly at the period from the summer until the end of the year, in which the Werkself had to deal with high expectations and fluctuated between impressive performances, squandered leads and absolute top form.
Show more
Happy 75th birthday, Wolfgang Holzhäuser
He helped shape Bayer 04 for almost two decades. First from 1998 to 2004 as the commercial managing director, then from 2013 as the spokesperson for the board and finally from 2017 as a member of the shareholders committee. Wolfgang Holzhäuser today celebrates his 75th birthday.
Show more
30 years ago: Bernd Schuster's hat-trick for all time
Bernd Schuster scored the Goal of the Month three times in 1994. And in the vote for the Goal of the Year he took the first three places. Nobody else has achieved that before or after him. Today Bernd Schuster celebrates his 65th birthday. We take the occasion to not only look back at his wonder goals but also review his special story at Bayer 04.
Show moreAll News
‘Celebrating in our Hearts!’: A permanent memorial space at the BayArena
Starting with the 2026/27 season, Bayer 04 has created a permanent memorial space at the BayArena. In the upper section of Block A in the southeast corner of the stadium, Werkself fans can honour friends and family members with whom they have shared many special moments connected to Bayer 04. In the coming months, this space will be gradually expanded, in particular with the active support of the fans.
Show more
‘I wear my favourite club on my chest’: Kids’ press conference with Oermann and Berghoff
After the children from the Bayer 04 Football Academy grilled Janis Blaswich and Simeon Rapsch last week, another group of 20 young Werkself fans gathered at the BayArena press conference room on Tuesday afternoon, 28 July . This time, the kids directed their questions at Tim Oermann and Jonah Berghoff. Defender Oermann raved about his school days, whilst talented midfielder Berghoff revealed to the young footballers, amongst other things, who his favourite player is – and he is also at Bayer 04. To round things off, the pair naturally obliged with all requests for autographs and selfies.
Show more
New season, improved catering: Enhanced service at the BayArena
Bayer 04 is redesigning the public catering at the BayArena and Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion for the start of the 2026/27 season. Together with new catering partner Aramark, processes will be developed and the service at the stadium will be improved in a targeted way.
Show more
‘I was a striker for a long time’: Kids’ press conference with Blaswich and Rapsch
100 children from the Bayer 04 Football Academy had the chance to gain exclusive insights: As part of the summer camp, the young footballers headed inside the BayArena at midday on Tuesday, 21 July, where they were due to meet Werkself keepers Janis Blaswich and Simeon Rapsch in the press conference room. The two players took plenty of time to answer every question from the inquisitive audience – whether it was about their own careers or their first impressions of the new head coach. Finally, there was even time left to sign autographs for the young fans.
Show more
New seating for the BayArena - donation and reuse of existing seats
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
