The game between the Whites and Reds proved to be very entertaining. No wonder as former Werkself pros like Zé Roberto, Paulo Sergio, Juan, Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kießling, Simon Rolfes, Dimitar Berbatov, Falko Götz plus many more showed their ability once again and that helped create a fantastic mood in the stands. In the end, Rudi Völler's team came out on top with a 6-5 win. The other team was managed by Christoph Daum. Patrick Helmes was the top striker in the match with a hat-trick.
"It was a wonderful feeling being able to celebrate this anniversary with the fans," said Christoph Daum after the final whistle in the legends' game. "It feels like coming home." And the Brazilian Paulo Sergio was also full of enthusiasm: "I think it was a wonderful weekend here in Leverkusen. It was such great fun to meet all the old players again. It's always great being here."
The programme of events for the Bayer 04 anniversary was full of highlights.Several hundred fans made their way to the stage in front of the West entrance at eleven in the morning to catch goalkeeping legends Rüdiger Vollborn and René Adler in a harmonious discussion. Straight after that, Petra Dahl, Tobias Ufer, Klaus Schenkmann and legend stadium announcer Günter Maczkowiak came onto the stage to talk about old times.
There were also extended tours of the stadium on offer: Fans could get behind the scenes at the BayArena from midday. In addition to the current Bayer 04 squad, the promotion heroes were also available in the Mixed Zone, on the edge of the pitch, in the away changing room, in the team bus, in the VIP area and many more places to sign autographs, pose for photos or chat to the fans. "I'm very happy. It was a great weekend where you felt how great and alive tradition is at this club," said Fernando Carro, chairman of the board. "I was fascinated to see how much the former Bayer 04 players still have a connection to Leverkusen – it's like a big family."
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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The German Football League (DFL) has shortlisted Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick goal against 1. FC Köln for the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season. Bayer 04 fans can vote for their favourite goal via the Bundesliga app from now until Monday 25 May (23:59 CEST).
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Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.
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