Thousands of cities and millions of people will once again take part in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) campaign in 2026 and switch off lights at the same time - as a sign for a living planet. Like the Empire State Building in New York and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the BayArena and other buildings in Leverkusen will also remain dark to draw attention to the importance of an intact ecosystem.
Bayer 04 has been supporting the campaign for several years. "Climate protection starts on our own doorstep and thrives on shared responsibility," said Matthias Adler, Head of Sustainability, adding: "By switching off the lights at the BayArena, we are making it clear that professional football can and wants to make its contribution to a more sustainable future."
The aim of the campaign, which will take place for the 20th time in 2026, is to set an example together for environmental and climate protection. It is supposed to be the hour for the earth - hence the name Earth Hour. The campaign first started in Sydney, Australia, on 31 March 2007. It is now the largest global climate and environmental protection campaign. Further information on the topic can be found at WWF.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show moreOn Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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