¡Gracias, Pala! – Farewell after six and a half years at Leverkusen

The Argentine made his debut for the Werkself on 5 February 2020 in a 2–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal. It was the first of a total of 186 appearances for the Black and Reds. In Leverkusen, the young man from Famaillá initially had to adjust to a new language, a new league and a new culture – and, shortly after that, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.

Despite a difficult start, the 27-year-old has gone on to become a world-class player, winning trophies with both Bayer 04 and the Argentine national team. His victory at the Copa América in July 2021 was followed a year later by his greatest triumph: Palacios became a world champion with the Albiceleste at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He thus became only the third Bayer 04 player to lift this greatest of all trophies as a Werkself player – previously, only the Brazilians Paulo Sergio (1994) and Lucio (2002) had achieved that feat.

world cup winner without airs and graces

Even as a World Cup winner, Pala always kept his feet firmly on the ground. Values such as humility and modesty are important to him. He was never one to shout from the rooftops. But on the pitch, he quickly proved his worth at Bayer 04 as a tireless worker, a driving force and a uncompromising tackler. During the 2023/24 double-winning season, he was one of the team’s key players and he played a decisive role in securing the Werkself’s first Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal triumph. Palacios scored four goals in the league and provided as many assists. He also found the net twice in the DFB Pokal.

With his sharp, precise passes, he shaped the Werkself game just as much as he did with his tactical acumen and his instinct for space and his teammates. A classic defensive midfielder who worked just as hard in defence as he did in driving the team forward. A winner with an exceptional mentality on the pitch and, at the same time, a likeable demeanour. He gave the team balance, rhythm and stability. And he wasn’t above getting stuck in either. “I try to do the dirty work and run for him,” Pala once said with a wink when asked about Florian Wirtz. Letting other players shine through his own commitment – that, too, says a lot about the character of Exequiel Palacios.

His last-minute goals in the season when the club won the double will never be forgotten: the penalty he converted to make it 2–2 against Bayern Munich and the no less important winner in the 1–0 victory against FC Augsburg at the start of the Rückrunde – both scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time. So the Werkself number 25 also played his part in the ‘Laterkusen’ moments.

huge emotion after winning the bundesliga

The fact he felt respected and at home within the team meant that his time at Leverkusen was also a personal gain for the Argentinian. After winning the Bundesliga title in 2024, Pala was overcome with emotion: “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of this club’s history. This title will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Many friendships with teammates will also last. After all, in over six years at Bayer 04, many close bonds have been forged – and not just with long-standing teammates.

Now, after six and a half years at Leverkusen, Exequiel Palacios is looking for a new challenge in the Premier League. The memories we share will remain. Bayer 04 wish him all the best from the bottom of our hearts. ¡Gracias, Pala!