Back
25.08.2024Bayer 04

Bayer 04 mourns the passing of Christoph Daum

Bayer 04 Leverkusen is mourning the passing of Christoph Daum. The former Werkself coach died on Saturday at the age of 70. Between 1996 and 2000, Daum had led Bayer 04 to three runners-up finishes in the Bundesliga and three participations in the UEFA Champions League. The news of his death has caused deep shock at Bayer 04. Daum was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, to which he has now succumbed.
Christoph Daum

Fernando Carro, CEO: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Christoph Daum. On behalf of all Bayer 04 employees, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family. I had the honour of getting to know Christoph over the past few years. He had an impressive character, was full of energy, and I always felt the special closeness he had to our club. Christoph’s work as coach of Bayer 04 formed a valuable foundation for the development of the club and our recent success. He deserves our thanks and recognition for this. Bayer 04 will always honour Christoph Daum's memory.”

Christoph Daum und Fernando Carro

Simon Rolfes, managing director for sport: “I was very saddened by the news of Christoph Daum's death. I remember how he played very modern and attractive football when he was coach of Bayer 04. It felt like he was always a step ahead of his time. He not only enriched the Bundesliga, but also helped develop Bayer 04 become one of the best teams in German football. Christoph will always remain an important part of Bayer 04's history. My thoughts are with his family, to whom I wish much strength.”

Xabi Alonso, head coach: “Christoph Daum did a remarkable job for this club. I am very happy that we were able to celebrate the Bundesliga title together with him in May and that we were able to give him the joy of doing so. Above all, my sympathies go out to Marcel and the entire family. It's a sad day for Bayer 04.”

Our obituary to a remarkable person

Related News

Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 28.07.2026

Bayer 04 confirmed as a DFB women’s talent development centre

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.

Show more
Andrea Natali
Bayer 04 - 28.07.2026

Andrea Natali joins AZ Alkmaar on permanent deal

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.

Show more
Luca Erlein
Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
3-1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans | Friendly
Werkself-TV - 25.07.2026

TV highlights of 3-1 win in friendly at Offenbach

Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...

Show more
Moreira
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

3–1 win in Offenbach: A treat for the fans

It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).

Show more