
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.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a loan deal with Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach for Argentinian striker Alejo Sarco. The 20-year-old joins Mönchengladbach with immediate effect for the rest of the season.
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The Werkself are away to Greek double winners Olympiacos on matchday 7 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. Tonight, 20 January (kick-off: 22:00 local time/21:00 CET), Bayer 04 will not only face a familiar face in Panagiotis Retsos, but also an experienced and successful team in their Greek top-flight opponents. The Olympiacos midfield and forward line in particular are peppered with seasoned veterans from top European clubs - but even they will first have to find solutions against the Werkself defence that has recently performed with aplomb in the UCL. The matchday news.
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The Werkself are away to Greek double winners Olympiacos on matchday 7 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase. Ahead of the clash on Tuesday, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about anticipation for the game. Werkself player Ibrahim Maza also gave an insight into dealing with the recent setbacks.
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After their first win on matchday 6 in the UCL league phase, Olympiacos are still in with a good chance of reaching the play-offs in the UEFA Champions League. The 2024 UEFA Conference League winners will be looking to go one better in their home match against Bayer 04 this Tuesday, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET), but their stop scorer is unavailable. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Panagiotis, known as Panos, Retsos wore the Bayer 04 jersey for three years. Including his loan spells, he was under contract with the Werkself for a total of four and a half years. "It's a very special club for me," said the 27-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club Olympiacos in 2022, in an interview with bayer04.de. The former Leverkusen man is now captain and a first choice for the Werkself's next opponents in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the clash on Tuesday night, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Retsos talks about his fond memories of his time in Leverkusen and the imminent reunion with some of his former team-mates. He also talks about who brought him to Leverkusen and why he likes getting older.
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