
The vote really was not easy given the spectacular goals: Whether it was youth player Leon Köhl, Chiara Bücher from the Bundesliga Women or honorary captain Lars Bender – they all, and many more Leverkusen players, scored wonderful or very special goals last term. In the end there was only one winner again this season in the traditional vote by Bayer 04 fans for the Goal of the Season. In 2020/21 it is Nadiem Amiri. The back-heel goal by our number 11 in the away game at Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2021 left the competition trailing. HERE is the impressive Amiri strike again on video. Congratulations, Nadiem.
The dream final at the Copa America awaits – and a Werkself player is involved. Following on from hosts Brazil, Argentina with Exequiel Palacios made it to the final. The Albiceleste beat Colombia 3-2 on penalties. Palacios did not play in the semi-final.
The ‘Grand Final’ of the South American championship at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro kicks off on Sunday, 11 July at 02.00 CEST. A win would see Palacios pick up the sixth title for a Bayer 04 player at the Copa America. Previous winners were Charles Aránguiz (Chile/2015 and 2016) plus the Brazilians Juan (2004), Emerson and Zé Roberto (both 1999).
The Oberliga club Bremer SV pulled out one of the most popular ties for amateur clubs in the draw for the DFB Cup First Round in the shape of Bayern Munich. But Bremer's coach Benjamin Eta wished for another opponent – and that was Bayer 04. The reason: The 41-year-old is a big Werkself fan.
The team under head coach Gerardo Seoane meet North-eastern Regional League side Lokomotive Leipzig in the first round (6-9 August). And who knows: If both Bayer 04 and Bremer SV successfully navigate their first-round ties then there is a chance of a head-to-head encounter.
Exercise, sport and preventative examinations are significant factors to remain healthy in the long term and reduce the risk of cancer. This approach is shared by the Bayer 04 Women. Therefore, Juliane Wirtz, Nina Brüggemann and Co. have decided to make the policyholders of BERGISCHEN, partner in the sponsors club at Bayer 04, aware of the subject of breast cancer in the name of the campaign #touch. Further information is available HERE.
In the summer of 2013, Bayer 04 signed Heung-min Son from Hamburg SV. In his second year under the Bayer Cross, the winger developed into a player world-class potential. The South Korean scored 29 goals and provided 11 assists in 87 matches. Son has played for the top English club Tottenham Hotspur for the past six years. The six-time South Korean Player of the Year celebrates his 29th birthday today (Thursday). Many happy returns. HERE is a video of his best goals, assists and magic moments.
The day before was the birthday of the current Werkself player Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman celebrated his 22nd birthday. The classic ritual could not be left out as befits the first birthday boy of the new season. HERE is the video.

The situation ahead of the showdown is clear - and promising. The Bayer 04 U19s host Newcastle United on the sixth and final matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Youth League phase. A win at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium would see the Werkself go through to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. Ahead of the clash on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 14:00 CET/livestream on bayer04.de and in the Bayer 04 app), coach Kevin Brok spoke about the successful build-up, his assessment of the match and the danger of underestimating the already eliminated English side.
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The Werkself will host VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena on matchday 16 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 10 January, at 18:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself will host Werder Bremen at the BayArena on matchday 19 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game is on Saturday, 24 January, at 15:30 CET. Information on ticket sales.
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In the sixth and final match of the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2025/26, the Bayer 04 U19s have a great opportunity to advance to the knockout phase of Europe’s most prestigious youth competition for the first time. To achieve that under their own steam, they will need a win against Newcastle United at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Wednesday, 10 December (kick-off: 14:00 CET/ free admission). In an interview with bayer04.de, managing director sport Simon Rolfes analyses the team's performances so far and their special situation. And the 43-year-old reveals what he would be happy to do without on the day of the match.
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The next opponents in the 2025/26 DFB Pokal have been announced: Bayer 04 will host Bundesliga rivals FC St. Pauli in the quarter-finals. That was the outcome of the draw held this Sunday evening, 7 December, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund, where long-time Bundesliga player and coach Friedhelm Funkel made the draw. The Werkself will play their quarter-final tie on 3-4 or 10-11 February 2026. The exact dates have yet to be finalised.
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