1.04.2024Bayer 04

Miscellaneous: 80 years ago – Helmut Creutzburg

Helmut Creutzburg was born on 22 January 1922 and he played for the Bayer 04 youth teams in the 1930s. The exceptionally talented keeper not only displayed his evident ability in goal. His ambition did not keep him between the sticks. He tried his luck as a striker and at a stroke was the most dangerous centre forward who played for Bayer 04 during the war. In games he would change position according to the scoreline either to come from behind or help to maintain the lead.

He was enlisted during the Second World War and he fought on the eastern front in Russia. There were not many matches during that time with players only able to play when they were home on leave for two or three weeks as was the case with Helmut Creutzburg in April 1944.

On 2 April 1944, the centre forward scored a hat-trick in an away game at Eller 04 to secure a point for the Werkself.

On 16 April 1944, two weeks after his three goals, the most talented player in Leverkusen died on the Russian front at the age of 22.

Related News

Peter Zanter wird 60 | Geburtstagskind des Monats November I

Bayer 04 - 01.11.2025

Birthday boy of the month 1: Peter Zanter turns 60

Peter Zanter was born on 11 November 1965 in Wermelskirchen in the Rhineland. His passion for football was evident from an early age: As a child, he played enthusiastically for the youth teams at SV Dabringhausen and SV Wermelskirchen. His ability and discipline did not go undetected for long - and he joined the youth section at Bayer 04 at a young age.

Boris Zivkovic wird 50 | Geburtstagskind des Monats November II

Bayer 04 - 01.11.2025

Birthday boy of the month 2: Boris Zivkovic turns 50

Boris Zivkovic was born on 15 November 1975 in the Bosnian town of Zivinice, which is now part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played for FK Sarajevo at a young age. However, his youth was characterised by the turmoil of the wars in the former Yugoslavia. At the age of just 17, he was also called up and took part in the fighting - a fate shared by many young men of his generation.

Rüdiger Vollborn mit Dr. Jürgen Schwericke

Bayer 04 - 01.11.2025

Legends: Under the Cross for 44 years

For once, this is going to be about me. About my path into football, my years as a goalkeeper at Bayer 04 and my ‘career after my career’ at this great club. So, come with me on a little journey through time...

Bayer 04 - 01.11.2025

Match of the month: 40 years ago - Bayer 04 hit the jackpot

It is 1 November 1985, a Friday evening, floodlights on. The leaders Werder Bremen with their coach Otto Rehhagel come to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. 15,000 spectators want to watch this top match, as the Werkself, with their new coach Erich Ribbeck, are in fourth place in the table, just five points behind the leaders.

Bayer 04 - 01.11.2025

Goals of the month: From Demuth to Calhanoglu

In the video you can see impressive and important goals in Bayer 04 history from the month of November. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.