
"Uwe Seeler is undoubtedly one of the greatest players Germany has ever had. For following generations of players, including mine, Uwe was an absolute role model," said Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting managing director. "I played together with his grandson Levin Öztunali at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Our deepest sympathies go to him and all the members of his family."
Rudi Völler, member of the Bayer 04 shareholders committee, said: "It's a shock for me. My thoughts are with his family and my deepest condolences go to them. Uwe was a wonderful man, one of Germany's biggest sporting legends has left us."
Seeler scored 404 goals in 476 appearances for Hamburg SV and he won the German league title and the DFB Cup with the Hanseatic club. He made 72 international appearances for Germany as the centre-forward and he scored 43 goals for his country. He played in four World Cup finals and was a runner-up at Wembley in 1966. He was named honorary captain by the German Football Association (DFB) in 1972. He played a big part in society and he was the first athlete to be awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1970.

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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