Lucas Alario has impressed Bayer 04 fans: In last weekend's home win against Augsburg, our number 13 scored a brilliant goal with a back-heel on 81 minutes. With an assist from Robert Andrich, The Argentinian forward put the ball through the legs of the FCA keeper Rafal Gikiewicz to make it 5-1 and his goal has been voted Goal of the Month for January, presented by like2drive. Congratulations. Alario's impressive feat can be seen again HERE.
Willibert Kremer, the coach of the Werkself side promoted in 1979, passed away on Christmas Eve last year at the age of 82. Invited guests paid their last respects to the legendary Bayer 04 coach this morning at the VIP marquee at SC Victoria Köln where Kremer was a player and later also coach. The Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler were there along with former general manager Reiner Calmund and several players from the promotion team of 1979 who were coached by Kremer. Rest in peace, Willibert.
The Werkself wish many happy returns to three birthday boys from the Black and Red family today.
First up is Sidney Sam who is 34 today. The former winger made 124 appearances for the Werkself between 2010 and 2014 scoring 36 goals during his time at Leverkusen. The left-footer ended his playing career last summer after spells at FC Schalke 04, Darmstadt 98, VfL Bochum, SCR Altach (Austria) and Antalyaspor (Turkey). At the end of his career, Sam was a guest on the Werkself podcast. Episode number 39 with the Kiel-born player is available free of charge at any time on the usual podcast platforms.
Many happy returns also to Jurica Vranješ on his 42nd birthday. The former Croatia international joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen from his hometown club NK Osijek at the turn-of-the-century and in 2001 he was part of our #RoadToGlasgow team. Vranješ moved on to VfB Stuttgart after three years with the Black and Reds.
Bayer 04 also wish a happy birthday to Dominic Kohr who is 28 today. The holding midfielder played for the youth teams at Leverkusen from the age of 15 and went on to make 69 appearances for the senior side and 33 for the second team. The midfielder is currently at Mainz 05 on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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