Bayer 04 representatives at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris were Fernando Carro, CEO, and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.
Carro: "It's exceptional recognition for the club to be nominated in three categories of the Ballon d'Or. We are very proud of what we've achieved and are happy that Bayer 04 Leverkusen was able to be an important part of this significant event tonight.”
Rolfes: "The historic season in 2023/24 once again provides a big stage for Bayer 04 at the award of this year's Ballon d'Or. Our players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Alejandro Grimaldo, our coach Xabi Alonso and also the whole performance over the season of Bayer 04 Leverkusen are recognised by the nominations. That makes us proud and gives us a boost."
Bayer 04 were nominated in the Men's Club of the Year category alongside Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Real Madrid won the award.
Head coach Xabi Alonso was in the Men's Team Coach category that was awarded the first time this year. Also nominated were Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain). Carlo Ancelotti won the category.
Alejandro Grimaldo (28th place), Granit Xhaka (16th place) and Florian Wirtz (12th place) were the three members of the Werkself squad nominated among the 30 players in the Men's Ballon d'Or category. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was the winner on the night.
About the Ballon d’Or:
The Ballon d'Or (in English: ‘Golden ball’“) has been presented by the French football journal France Football since 1956 to the best football players for the individual calendar year. Since 2022, the Ballon d'Or has not only been presented by France Football but also by the European governing body UEFA. Originally designed only for European players from European clubs, the award was opened up to all players in Europe from 1995. Since then the winner has also been named European Footballer of the Year.
The situation ahead of the showdown is clear - and promising. The Bayer 04 U19s host Newcastle United on the sixth and final matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Youth League phase. A win at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium would see the Werkself go through to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. Ahead of the clash on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 14:00 CET/livestream on bayer04.de and in the Bayer 04 app), coach Kevin Brok spoke about the successful build-up, his assessment of the match and the danger of underestimating the already eliminated English side.
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The Werkself will host VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena on matchday 16 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 10 January, at 18:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself will host Werder Bremen at the BayArena on matchday 19 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 24 January, at 15:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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In the sixth and final match of the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2025/26, the Bayer 04 U19s have a great opportunity to advance to the knockout phase of Europe’s most prestigious youth competition for the first time. To achieve that under their own steam, they will need a win against Newcastle United at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 14:00 CET/ free admission). In an interview with bayer04.de, managing director sport Simon Rolfes analyses the team's performances so far and their special situation. And the 43-year-old reveals what he would be happy to do without on the day of the match.
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The next opponents in the 2025/26 DFB Pokal have been announced: Bayer 04 will host Bundesliga rivals FC St. Pauli in the quarter-finals. That was the outcome of the draw held this Sunday evening, 7 December, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, where long-time Bundesliga player and coach Friedhelm Funkel made the draw. The Werkself will play their quarter-final tie on 3-4 or 10-11 February 2026. The exact dates have yet to be finalised.
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