
From 17.00 to 22.00 CET on Saturday, the Werkself home ground will be lit up in magenta. World Prematurity Day on 17 November again raises the issue of premature birth and its consequences worldwide. "We have worked in partnership with the Klinikum Leverkusen for many years and we'd like to show our solidarity with the doctors, nurses and parents of premature children," said Meinolf Sprink, fan and community affairs director at Bayer 04.
There are around 65,000 premature births in Germany each year. That means one in ten births are premature and premature babies form the largest section of child patients in Germany. However, advances in medicine have increased survival rates amongst premature births including those born more than four months early with a birth weight of less than 500 grammes. The Klinikum is the main centre for the care of premature babies among hospitals in Leverkusen and im Bergisches Land and with 1,600 births per year is one of the most experienced maternity hospitals in the region.
The idea of lighting up of buildings all over the world (Purple for Preemies) originally came from the American Organisation March of Dimes and is growing in terms of exposure and need. In addition to the BayArena, Heidelberg Castle and the Bettenhochhaus tower block at the Charité in Berlin will also be lit up in magenta.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.
Show more
Ken Izekor is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to join third-tier side Alemannia Aachen with immediate effect. The 19-year-old centre-forward joined the club from Alemannia in 2018, and Izekor is now returning to his hometown.
Show more
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
Show more
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
Show more