Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting managing director, said about Onyeka's award: "Francis absolutely deserves this award. His football ability is undisputed. On top of that he shows great desire to work for the team and he has a top character. He wants to take the next step." The 42-year-old added: "Francis has been with us since the U8s, has a close connection to the club and has Bayer 04 in his heart. We are firmly convinced he will continue his successful career with us."
Onyeka has been at Bayer 04 since 2014 when he joined the Werkself at the age of seven and he now follows in prominent footsteps as a winner of the Fritz Walter metal: Jonathan Tah won the gold medal in the U19 category in 2015, Benjamin Henrichs did the same in 2016. Two years later Kai Havertz won in the U19 category and Florian Wirtz won gold in 2020 (U17) and 2022 (U19).
A medal in the U19 women’s category also came to Leverkusen: Loreen Bender, at Leverkusen since the summer of 2023, also won gold. "Loreen has earned this award through her unique style of play. Last season she got going in the Bundesliga straightaway after a long-term injury," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women's team sporting director: "She is always capable of springing a surprise on the pitch and that gives the team a special quality. She underlined that again with her four goals in the U20 World Cup. She will give us and the DFB even more enjoyment."
Leverkusener winners of the Fritz Walter medal:
2024: Francis Onyeka (U17/Gold), Loreen Bender (U19 Women/Gold)
2022: Florian Wirtz (U19/Gold), Lisanne Gräwe (U19 Women/Gold), Clara Fröhlich (U17 Women/Gold)
2020: Florian Wirtz (U17/Gold)
2018: Kai Havertz (U19/Gold)
2016: Benjamin Henrichs (U19/Gold); Kai Havertz (U17/Silver)
2015: Jonathan Tah (U19/Gold)
2014: Julian Brandt (U18/Gold); Levin Öztunali (U18/Silver)
2013: Dominik Kohr (U19/Bronze)
2012: Dominik Kohr (U18/Bronze)
2010: Kolja Pusch (U17/Bronze)
2008: Marcel Risse (U19/Bronze); Richard Sukuta-Pasu (U18/Bronze)
2007: Stefan Reinartz (U18/Bronze); Nils Teixeira (U17/Bronze)
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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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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