13.09.2024Bayer 04

Emotional memorial service for Christoph Daum

A farewell to former Werkself head coach Christoph Daum at a big memorial service on Thursday afternoon. Bayer 04, VfB Stuttgart and FC Köln took part in a joint memorial event at the Rhein Energie Stadion in Cologne. Amongst the many guests from the world of sport and the circles of family and friends was sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. Daum, who led the Werkself to three runners-up finishes and three UEFA Champions League campaigns between 1996 and 2000, passed away at the age of 70 at the end of August.

Numerous friends, acquaintances and contemporaries from national and international football came together on Thursday to bid farewell to legendary coach Christoph Daum. In addition to Rolfes that included the DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, the long-serving Leverkusen managing director Reiner Calmund, Alexander Wehrle (VfB Stuttgart chairman of the board), Werner Wolf (FC Köln president), Michael Meier (former managing director at FC Köln and sporting director at Bayer 04), Pierre Littbarski (1990 World Cup winner), Cem Özdemir (German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture), Ali Koç (Fenerbahce president) and Kaan Şakul (Besiktas general secretary).

There was brilliant sunshine over the stadium punctually for the start of the event at 15.30 CEST. A large canvas in the centre circle depicting Daum lay next to flags of his former clubs Bayer 04, FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart. Many of Daum's contemporaries gave emotional eulogies, DFB president Neuendorf spoke of "one of the most colourful and exciting characters in German football.".

Music was provided by, amongst others, the Höhner, who sang their famous song ‘Gute Fründe’ in German and Turkish, and the Turkish Chamber Orchestra and Choir.

Related News

Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Matchday news: Wide range of activities on Family Matchday

Calling Bayer 04 families – this matchday is all yours! As part of the Family Matchday on Sunday 20 September, not only will the Werkself take on RB Leipzig at 15:30 CEST but there will also be a variety of activity zones for young and old alike be set up around the BayArena. What’s more, genuine Bayer 04 rarities await Black and Red fans at the Fantrödel flea market. By taking part in the fan travel survey, Leverkusen supporters can help the club gather important information and even win a jersey before the Werkself hit the ground running against Leipzig on the pitch. The matchday news for RB Leipzig game.

Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Our next opponents: Leipzig, strong at home, looking to improve away form

It has been a mixed start to the season for RB Leipzig. The team from Saxony have a flawless record at home but are less successful on the road to date. RBL are looking to change that in their away fixture at the BayArena on Sunday, 20 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). However, head coach Martin Demichelis will have to manage without a number of key players. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Women - 18.09.2026

‘Good positional play and risk management’: Women aiming for third win of the season in Freiburg

With a flawless away record under their belts, the Bayer 04 women’s team travel to SC Freiburg. On Sunday 20 September (16:00 CEST), coach Roberto Pätzold’s side will be aiming for three points again, six days after their narrow defeat to Bayern Munich. The Werkself have emerged victorious from both of their away fixtures so far this season.