
Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO: “Continuity at a high level is a success factor in football. Christian Streich and his work for Freiburg are an excellent example of this. It's a shame that he's leaving. But after all those gruelling years in the football business, it's also a step that you have to understand, and that deserves respect.”
Xabi Alonso, Bayer 04 head coach: “Twenty-nine years at one club is an incredibly long time. I'm grateful to have met Christian Streich in a few games. Each of these encounters was characterised by enormous mutual respect. The fact that he has now decided to retire after the season is a great pity, but at the same time absolutely understandable in this demanding job. I wish Christian all the best for the future and for his time with his family.”
Thomas Eichin, director of professional teams at Bayer 04: “As a native of Freiburg, I have known Christian Streich for a very long time and we used to play together in the same team. For me, he has always been an extraordinary and sincere person full of empathy who consistently exemplifies his values. This remarkable greatness is also evident in his departure after such a long and successful career in Freiburg.”




Streich played for Freiburg in the 1987/88 season. He re-joined in 1995 as a youth coach, leading the U19s to the Bundesliga title in 2008. He also worked as assistant to the first team from summer 2007 before joining the senior squad full time for the 2011/12 campaign. Streich was then appointed head coach midway through the season, since which the 58-year-old has taken charge of 711 competitive fixtures. He led Freiburg to promotion as Bundesliga 2 champions in 2016, to the DFB Cup final in 2022, and earned European qualification four times.

From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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