"After one and a half seasons together, with JAKO being a highly professional and efficient partner, we were happy to enter a closer relationship through a long-term strategy," said Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. "Not just because of the improved financial considerations, we are now extending our contractual relationship with JAKO. Our supplier has performed brilliantly since the start of the partnership in 2016. Thanks to the outstanding quality of materials, special service provision, high flexibility and creativity, JAKO has become a premium partner in a very short space of time and we want to hold onto that support and expertise in the future. For JAKO, we were not only the clear number one in the ranking of partners – as we felt on a daily basis and that was, above all, demonstrated by their actions," said Schade.
The company from Hollenbach, a partner of professional clubs in European football for over 20 years, has been able to achieve set marketing targets through the joint venture with Bayer 04. Rudi Sprügel, chairman of the board at JAKO, was also very pleased after the signing of the new four-year contract: "We're very happy to go forward into the future together with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. That means we will remain a partner of a top club with an international profile for at least another four years. This extension is a logical step for us. In the previous 18 months of our partnership, both sides have been living proof of the team approach. We have been able to benefit from the expertise of the club on all levels and we have done our best every day to supply top quality kit to the Werkself and their fans. At the same time, our partnership has brought us closer together. On that basis, we want to develop all aspects of our partnership, increase the visibility of our two brands across all channels and make full use of the great opportunities provided by Bayer 04 Leverkusen. So I'm looking forward to an exciting second half of the season and I'm confident JAKO and the Werkself will soon be seen on the European stage once again."
Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler sees the extension of the contract as the logical continuation of a success story: "Both sides have recognised the great potential of this partnership," said Völler. "We offer JAKO the opportunity to continue to grow alongside a top German club. And our partner continues to supply us with high-quality equipment that is both functional and looks good. The designs and ideas presented to us by JAKO over the last year and a half have all been implemented," declared Völler. "We are now looking forward to new joint projects and ideas."
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez arrives in Leverkusen having won the Champions League, the Spanish league title and an Olympic gold medal. However, the 25-year-old Spaniard, signed from Napoli, is looking to the future – he wants to write the next chapter of success with the Werkself. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the skilful, attack-minded left-back, who will wear the number 3 jersey.
Show more
The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day three (Tuesday 4 August) begins with a thorough open session on the pitch. After lunch, some players have media engagements at the team hotel, and then the team come together for a barbecue in the evening.
Show more
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
The Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog, you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme for day two (Monday, 3 August) centres on two training sessions – one in the morning (open to the public) and one in the early evening (behind closed doors) – at the nearby training grounds. In the afternoon, fans can look forward to a big fan meet-up with club legend Paulo Sergio at Schloss Blankenhain.
Show more
