
This time Karim Bellarabi took time out to visit the Media Centre at the BayArena on Wednesday afternoon to answer the many questions from the 100 girls and boys present. Karim provided insights into his private life and he described his path to becoming a professional footballer – the fulfilment of his dreams. As a child, he played with his mates on the street every day and even took football to bed with him at night as the eleven-time Germany international explained. The 28-year-old also gave his young audience tips about how to make it as a professional footballer..
The German Football League (DFL) is continuing to promote the overseas marketing of the Bundesliga. On Tuesday an office was opened in New York. "The USA represents the biggest and most important sport and media market in the world. In terms of our sustainable, long-term growth against this background, it is only logical that the DFL is better represented here than before," said DFL CEO Christian Seifert. The Werkself were represented by Fernando Carro, the spokesman for the management plus marketing and communications director Jochen A. Rotthaus and former pro Stefan Kießling.

Talking about Stefan Kießling. Five-months after his last appearance in professional football, 'Kies' has continued his career at Bayer 04. At the start of the month, the 34-year-old took up his post as sporting management adviser. How he has settled into his new environment and what his future roles are will probably revealed when he appears on the football talk show Doppelpass on Sunday. The league game against Hannover 96 could also be a subject for discussion. The programme is broadcast live by SPORT1 from 11.00 CET.

Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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The international break produced a full range of emotions for Bayer 04’s women. While four Leverkusen players were in play-off action to try and reach the World Cup, including two important goals, there were others in friendly action. Here’s a round-up of all the results…
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The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
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On Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase, Lech Poznań suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace. Now the Polish champions will be looking for a more successful outcome in their first home game against the Werkself this Thursday, 15 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST) - and banking on a strong attack. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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