
Ahead of the kick-off against SC Paderborn, Rudi and Kies were presented with honorary captain pennants by Fernando Carro, chairman of the board, and sporting managing director Rudi Völler. There are four selection criteria: At least 10 years with the Werkself, at least 300 competitive matches, including over 100 games as captain or deputy plus an outstanding personality.
Both goalkeeper Rüdiger Vollborn and striker Stefan Kießling have left a lasting impression on the history of Bayer 04. Vollborn, the Werkself player with the most appearances in the Bundesliga (401), was in goal for the UEFA Cup win in 1988 as well as for the DFB Cup victory in 1993. The massive extent to which Stefan Kießling is valued by the fans was evident by the emotional moments in May 2018 at the end of his career when the whole stadium honoured him in the home game against Hannover and deservedly celebrated him with a moving choreography.
Welcome to the illustrious club of honorary captains, Rudi and Kies!

The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.
Show more
Werkself TV shows highlights of the 2-0 win for Bayer 04 at Manchester City on matchday 5 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase...
Show more
The annual Black and Red Week is up and running. And day two, Wednesday 26 November, includes a coupon flyer with big discounts...
Show more
Bayer 04 won 2-0 at Manchester City on Matchday 5 of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League! Alejandro Grimaldo scored before half-time and Patrik Schick added another after the break for a Werkself side that had been hit by numerous personnel losses before their trip to England.
Show more