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 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
Show more
For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
Show more
European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
Show more
The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.
Show more
