
The Bundesliga top goalscorer in 2012/13 will in future be in action in this role primarily in the areas of marketing, sponsorship, internationalisation and fans.
Kießling played for Bayer 04 between 2006 and 2018 making 444 appearances for the Werkself scoring 162 goals. He played in two games for Germany at the 2020 World Cup in South Africa. Up to the end of last season, Kießling was coordinator within the licensed department at Bayer 04 and he played a big part in the professionalisation of procedures and structures.
Kießling said about his new role: "After all that time I still felt the need to draw back from the day-to-day business of the senior squad and be in a position to gain a new orientation. I have a lot to thank the club for. I think the role as Club representative will be interesting and varied. This will maintain our strong connection – I'm excited for the new challenges ahead."

Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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