
“Despite his young age, Ken Izekor is already an outstanding player in our U17 team,” declared Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. “He’s real goal-getter, has enormous determination and a great ability to assert himself. We are very happy that Ken and his family identify with Bayer 04 so much and we are certain he will continue on his more than positive path.”
Izekor has played in Bayer 04 youth teams since 2018. Born in Aachen, he moved from the Alemannia youth set-up to the Kurtekotten Performance Centre and he recently helped the Germany U16 team win in a UEFA youth tournament in Portugal.
Izekor has scored 15 goals in twelve games in the U17 Bundesliga West and he also made an impressive six appearances in the UEFA Youth League. The top talent has played two games for the U19s in the Bundesliga West and also competed in the DFB Youth Cup (one game, one goal).
“I’ve felt at home at this club from the start and I can see there’s a big chance here of becoming a successful professional player.” said Izekor. “On top of that, I’ve crossed my fingers for Leverkusen since I was a child. That’s why I think it’s brilliant to continue my development here.”

After just two points from their last four games, the situation has become trickier for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the bottom third of the table. Only three points separate the Foals from the relegation play-off spot. Coach Eugen Polanski's team is under pressure ahead of the home game against the Werkself on Saturday, 7 February (kick-off: 18:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Calling all eSports fans: On Saturday, 21 February (from 16:00 CET), the Werkself Wildcard Cup will take place at XPERION Köln (Hansaring 97, 50670 Cologne). Interested EA FC 26 amateur players will have the opportunity to win attractive prizes and a place in the VBL Open Play-offs by WOW. The play-offs are the final preliminary stage of the VBL Grand Final by WOW, the tournament for the German individual championship and, alongside the club championship (VBL CC), the most important sub-competition in the German eSports scene. Read on for information on registration.
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At its first general meeting on 5 February 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, the Frauen Bundesliga FBL e.V. made key decisions regarding the future direction of the Women’s Bundesliga. The meeting was based on the results of the negotiations with the German Football Association (DFB) over the past few weeks.
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Another efficient performance from the Werkself in the 3-0 home win against FC St. Pauli saw them reach the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third time in a row, and it was not the only record set on what was a successful evening. It meant head coach Kasper Hjulmand was delighted to "still be in with the chance of winning something". Like the coach, however, the ambitious Edmond Tapsoba also stated that he wanted to keep "improving" bit by bit: "We'll continue to give our all, no matter who we come up against." The Werkself review of the clash.
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