
The winner in the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year category was football player Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain). The award winners were decided ahead of the event by the Laureus Academy made up of 70 of the greatest living sports legends.
The Werkself won the German league title for the first time in the club's history in 2023/24 in the most impressive way without a single defeat. In addition, the team led by head coach Xabi Alonso reached the final of the UEFA Europa League and sealed the German double by winning the DFB Pokal. And Bayer 04 secured a third trophy within a few months by winning the Supercup last summer.

The other winners in 2025 alongside Lamine Yamal are the pole vaulter Armand Duplantis (World Sportsman of the Year), gymnast Simone Biles (World Sportswoman of the Year), plus Real Madrid (World Team of the Year) and Rafael Nadal (Sporting Icon Award).
The Laureus World Sports Awards:
The Laureus World Sports Awards, celebrating the 25th anniversary this year, are the most prestigious awards in sport and are also known as the 'Oscars of Sports'. The aim is to honour outstanding sporting achievements as well as promoting community projects through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Previous winners include Lionel Messi, the Spain men's and women's teams, Rafael Nadal and Michael Schumacher.

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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