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

Bayer04_Arsenal_London_2526.jpg
Champions League - 27.02.2026

Tickets for the Champions League Round of 16 home game against Arsenal

The Werkself host Premier League club Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on 10/11 March. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.

Show more
Lucas Vázquez
Bayer 04 - 27.02.2026

Injury sidelines Lucas Vázquez

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Spanish player Lucas Vázquez for the time being. The experienced full-back and winger suffered an injury to his right calf during the Werkself's Champions League match against Olympiacos (0-0) on Tuesday.

Show more
Friederike Repohl
Women - 26.02.2026

After five years at Bayer 04: Goalkeeper Friederike Repohl to retire

A goalkeeping era is coming to an end for Bayer 04 Women, with Friederike Repohl retiring when her contract expires at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has played for the Werkself since 2021 and also captained the team since last season. The Bielefeld-born keeper already made her decision during the winter break before her injury.

Show more
Marc und Sean Landwehr
eSports - 26.02.2026

#B04eSports: Leverkusen through to third straight VBL CC final after play-off win

Job done: the Bayer 04 eSports team defeated SV Darmstadt 98 in the play-offs to secure their consecutive participation in the VBL Club Championship final. The journey continues now for Leverkusen on Saturday 7 March (from 17:00 CET) with a last-16 encounter at Hamburger SV.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser im Trikot der deutschen Nationalmannschaft
Women - 25.02.2026

World Cup qualifiers: Eight Bayer 04 women on international duty

The first international break in 2026 marks the start of the battle to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil for a German and Austrian duo, while a quintet will conclude the U23 international season. A total of eight Leverkusen players will be on international duty with their national teams in the coming days.

Show more