Back
8.07.2021Bayer 04

News in brief: Amiri scores Goal of the Season – Palacios in final

Werkself fans have voted for their favourite goal in the 2020/21 season, Exequiel Palacios is in the final of the Copa America, and the Bremer wish for Bayer rather than Bayern: Thursday's news in brief.
20210103_JS_SGE_B04_0559n.jpg

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.

Copa America: classic final

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).

Bremer SV: coach wanted the Werkself

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.

Bayer 04 women support #touch

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.

birthdays of speedy wingers

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.

Related News

Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.

Show more
Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell

Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.

Show more
Sommerfahrplan
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

2026/27 summer timetable: season opener against Sevilla - friendlies in Germany

Bayer 04 plans for the 2026/27 pre-season continue to take shape. The Werkself will kick off the new season in mid-July with the return to the training ground. The highlight will be the official season opener on 8 August at the BayArena, including a friendly against La Liga club Sevilla. Friendlies in Germany will take the team to neighbouring Monheim, Offenbach and Jena.

Show more
Konstantinos_Kotsifakis.jpg
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026

Konstantinos Kotsifakis set for assistant coach role with Bayer 04 U19s

Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.

Show more
BayArena
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026

Runner-up for Pitch of the Year: Bayer 04 again recognised for outstanding pitch quality

Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.

Show more