
“Florian has far exceeded our great expectations in his first year with the first team,” declared Bayer 04 sporting managing director Rudi Völler. “The confidence he’s shown in the Bundesliga and on the European stage in the Europa League has been impressive. If he carries on working and continues his development in the same way then Florian will definitely have a great career.”
Simon Rolfes watched Wirtz on his way to becoming a professional early on in various youth teams. “Florian’s current’s performances make us feel even more convinced of our assessment that he can become a special player,” said the Leverkusen sporting director. “Flo is already an important part in our team. I’m looking forward to the coming years with him.”
For Florian Wirtz , “my fast integration into an absolute top squad was fantastic motivation. The way the coaching staff and the team accepted me and how the club management looked after me – it was all totally impressive,” admitted the Germany U21 international. “I’m playing in a great team here and I really believe we can win something. We’re on the right track and I can see that in all the training sessions.”


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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The fans have spoken: Ibrahim Maza has been voted Bayer 04 men’s Player of the Season for 2025/26. The 20-year-old won the club’s annual poll with more than a third of the total votes. Vanessa Fudalla, for her part, has been voted Bayer 04 women’s Player of the Season for 2025/26 by the fans. For both Maza and Fudalla, the past season was their first playing for the Werkself.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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