
“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.”

Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Bayer 04 Women finish 2025 with the first game of the second half of the Google Pixel Bundesliga season as they host defending champions and league leaders Bayern Munich at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on Monday. Kick-off is at 18:00 CET. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 14 encounter.
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The Werkself may have the festive season off, but four players will still be in action as they compete at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Eliesse Ben Seghir will open the 35th edition of the tournament with hosts Morocco on Sunday, 21 December. Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) and Christian Kofane (Cameroon) are also going for continental glory.
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The media wanted to know if Malik Tillman had thought back in September and the team’s indifferent start to the season that they would go into the winter break in third place with 29 points from 15 games. His answer was short and clear: “Honestly, yes, because I simply believe in this team.” That team had just won 3-1 at RB Leipzig, who hadn’t dropped a single point at home previously this season. Here’s all the round-up from the game in our Werkself Review.
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