Carro's fellow director Rolfes, head coach Xabi Alonso and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky presented Carro with a framed birthday collage on behalf of the club with photos of the Spaniard from recent years. The head chef surprised the CEO of the German double winners with a Black Forest gateau complete with candles. Hradecky led a birthday serenade and the whole team joined in with the singing.
"It's great that you're here. We all wish you a very happy birthday. Your health, your energy, your ambition – you can happily keep all that and stay as you are," declared Rolfes.
A surprise event for which Carro thanked the whole team on site full of joy.
Carro has led the board at Bayer 04 Leverkusen since 1 July 2018. The highlight to date of his time as CEO: winning the double of the German league title and the DFB Pokal last season.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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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.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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