Back
4.08.2024Bayer 04

kicker award: Xabi Alonso is 'Coach of the Season'

Werkself coach Xabi Alonso came out on top in the vote organised by sports magazine kicker for the coach of the season. The 42-year-old won with 503 votes from the 751 members of the German Association of Sports Journalists (VDS).
Xabi Alonso

Alonso led the Werkself to the Bundesliga title without defeat last season as well as winning the DFB Cup and reaching the final of the UEFA Europa League. VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß and 1. FC Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt finished behind the Spaniard.

Alonso will be presented with the kicker award this Saturday, 10 August, as part of the season-opening event at the BayArena ahead of the friendly against Real Betis.

'Player of the season': Wirtz and Xhaka second and third

'Player of the Season' went to former Werkself man Toni Kroos, who ended his career following his comeback for the German national team at the home EURO. The 34-year-old won his sixth Champions League title with Real Madrid last season. Behind Kroos (285 votes) were Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz (246) and Granit Xhaka (66). 

Related News

Toty
eSports - 07.01.2026

EA Sports FC 26: Trio nominated for Team of the Year

Video game producer Electronic Arts (EA) has announced the nominees for the Men's and Women's Team of the Year (TOTY) for EA Sports FC 26. With Patrik Schick and Alejandro Grimaldo for the men and Vanessa Fudalla for the women, there are three Bayer 04 players included. Fans of the Black-and-Reds can vote for each top XI of 2025 from now until 18:59 CET on Monday 12 January.

Show more
Bayer04_1FSV_Mainz05_RGB_2526.jpg
Bundesliga - 06.01.2026

Tickets for the home game against Mainz

The Werkself host Mainz at the BayArena on matchday 24 in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The match is on Saturday, 28 February, at 15:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.

Show more
Mobilitätsdienstleister wupsi
Business - 06.01.2026

Bayer 04 and transport provider wupsi expand long-standing partnership

The long-standing successful collaboration between Bayer 04 and the transport service provider wupsi GmbH has been expanded: From January 2026, 100 wupsi bikes with Bayer 04 branding will be available for hire throughout the city of Leverkusen. They will complement the many existing offers and services that provide key support, especially for fans travelling to and from home matches at the BayArena.

Show more
Hjlumand und Fans
Bayer 04 - 04.01.2026

Successful start to 2026 training – Hjulmand: 'Nice to see all the fans again'

The Werkself are back! Following the two-week winter break, head coach Kasper Hjulmand's team began the new year with an open session on Sunday. After Robert Andrich and his teammates arrived in Leverkusen yesterday for the official check-in, they got back down to business a day later in front of around 1,200 fans at the Ulrich Haberland Stadion. The report from the Werkself's first session of 2026.

Show more