#Morethanfootball Action Weeks at Bayer 04
Football is more than just a game. Bayer 04 will show that in the coming weeks as part of the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks along with 100 fellow campaigners from across Europe.
Inclusion, integration plus the promotion of social interaction are just a small selection of themes that are an inherent part of the Bayer 04 DNA. Between 22 March and 18 April, the Werkself will report on the club's own channels how these issues are brought to life in and around the BayArena, the Kurtekotten Performance Centre and the other Bayer 04 venues.
Trio on behalf of Bayer 04
Nina Brüggemann, defender in the Women's Bundesliga team, is an ambassador for the Werkself as part of the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks. The 28-year-old explains: "Football is more than just a sport. It connects people worldwide including off the pitch. For many years, the club Bayer 04 have broadcast important messages on issues such as equality, diversity and sustainability. In the future that has to be carried forward and developed as social responsibility. We are #Morethanfootball.”
Emrehan Gedikli, a member of the first-team squad at Bayer 04, is also an ambassador. The 17-year-old talent says: "For young athletes like me it's important to think about the future alongside work on the pitch. Therefore I'm happy that I am able to continue my vocational training at Bayer 04. I'm learning new things every day – both on and off the pitch. We are #Morethanfootball.”
Lukas Hradecky, Werkself goalkeeper, also talks as a member of the Leverkusen ambassador group: "The love for football made us into professional athletes. Without that passion none of us would be where we are now. We share this passion with millions of football players across the world. A passion that connects us all – on and off the football pitch. We are #Morethanfootball.”
A Europe-wide human chain: Everybody can set an example
At the Women's team home game against Eintracht Frankfurt (26 March) and the Werkself home game against Schalke 04 (3 April) there will also be a range of messages relating to the #Morethanfootball Action Weeks. A Europe-wide virtual human chain made up of players, fans and club management will be the highlight of this year’s campaigns that Bayer 04 are supporting as an active member of the European Football for Development Network (EFDN).
Related News
Business - 30.03.2026
Harmonious end to an era: Bayer 04 and Bitburger conclude partnership
The final whistle of the current 2025/26 season marks the end of a unique partnership for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After more than three decades of collaboration and highly eventful times, the Bundesliga football club and the private brewery Bitburger are going their separate ways.
Show more
Sustainability - 28.03.2026
Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 28.03.2026
Earth Hour 2026: BayArena switches off lights for the planet
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026
Return from Salzburg: Bayer 04 sign forward Kerim Alajbegovic
Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026
Goalscorer and hard worker: Alajbegovic and big steps in Salzburg
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
