Back
5.05.2022Bayer 04

Bayer 04 mourn the loss of Leo Wilden

Leo Wilden was at the Werkself for seven years. Today (Thursday) he passed away at the age of 85 in his hometown of Cologne. The former Germany international, who was a defender and employee from 1966 to 1973, is remembered fondly by many under the Bayer Cross.
1968-05-12_zz_Leo_Wilden_auf_den_Schultern_der_Fans_imago02294818h.jpg

He experienced his biggest sporting success with FC Köln winning the German league title in 1962 and 1964. He earned 15 international caps for Germany and played in the 1962 World Cup in Chile. Leo Wilden also made his mark on Leverkusen.

Wilden joined the Werkself in 1966 and was one of the key players in the team under coach Theo Kirchberg in his second season at Leverkusen when they comfortably won the Regional League West title and thereby qualified for the Bundesliga play-offs. The Bayer team just missed out on making it into Germany's top flight when they finished second behind Kickers Offenbach. "We sensed promotion and were hungry for it," said Leo Wilden back then after a season that inspired euphoria in football fans in Leverkusen.

The defender hung up his boots at the age of 33 but continued to work for Bayer 04. In 1971, Wilden was the deputy to the football chairman Dr. Jürgen Schwericke and he worked in that role under the Bayer Cross up to 1973.

A profile of Leo Wilden, that appeared in July of last year marking his 85th birthday, is HERE.

Related News

Kurzpässe vor #B04SCF
Bundesliga - 18.10.2026

Matchday news #B04SCF: Continue our strong home form against the league leaders

Under Carles Martínez, the Werkself have so far proved unbeatable at the BayArena. The Spaniard has led his team to victory in all three of their most recent home matches – and, it's worth noting, without conceding a single goal. On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST / live on DAZN and Werkself Radio), current league leaders SC Freiburg will make the trip to Leverkusen, but will be without their top scorer. What's more, the Werkself have won all three of their previous home matches against the Black Forest club. With a goal, Patrik Schick could not only secure a fourth consecutive victory but also set a memorable record. Meanwhile, on what will be the ‘Health Day' at the BayArena, much of the focus will be on physical wellbeing. Today's matchday news.

Show more
Umkämpftes Topspiel
Women - 17.10.2026

Bayer 04 Women held at home by Eintracht Frankfurt

Bayer 04 Women missed out on victory in the Google Pixel Bundesliga as they were held to a draw at home to Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Estrella Merino Gonzalez had put the Werkself ahead directly from a corner at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, before Laura Freigang levelled for the visitors as it finished all square between fourth and third on Matchday 7.

Show more
SC Freiburg beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 17.10.2026

Our next opponents: Leaders Freiburg with good balance

Freiburg have made an impressive start to the season, unbeaten in nine games across all competitions, with eight of them wins. Now the Bundesliga leaders come to the BayArena on Sunday to take on the Werkself, but Julian Schuster’s team will be missing their top scorer. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponent.

Show more
Martin Terrier in Posen
Bayer 04 - 16.10.2026

Terrier suffers muscle injury

Bayer 04 will have to manage without attacking midfielder Martin Terrier for the time being. The Frenchman sustained a muscle injury to his left hamstring yesterday, Thursday 15 October, during the Europa League game against Polish champions Lech Poznan (4–0). Terrier is not expected to be available until late December.

Show more