Back
12.10.2020Bayer 04

News in brief: Völler in German football Hall of Fame

Sporting managing director Rudi Völler plus a former coach and former player of Bayer 04 have been inducted into the illustrious circle of the Hall of Fame personalities, Florian Wirtz has been presented with the Fritz Walter medal, and Fabian Otto (director of finance and personnel at Bayer 04) and Co. have started work on the ‘Task force for the future of professional football’: Monday’s news in brief.
crop_imago0046706378h.jpg

Lothar Matthäus, Franz Beckenbauer, Uwe Seeler and Co. – the really big names are in the Hall of Fame at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Five new members were added a few days ago: German sports journalists have voted in Rudi Völler, Michael Ballack, Berti Vogts, Andreas Möller and Klaus Fischer. Völler was clearly extremely happy to receive this nomination: “It’s a great thing. Being counted amongst the inner circle of these wonderful and first-class players makes me proud and it’s not a given.”

The 60-year-old (90 international caps/46 goals) clocked up 62 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen during his playing career, Ballack (98/42) played a total of 114 times for the Werkself in Germany’s top flight. And Vogts also has a black and red past: He coached the Werkself for five months from November 2000.

Wirtz receives Fritz Walter medal

The DFB announced the decision in the middle of August but Florian Wirtz finally had it in his hands at the weekend: The Leverkusen player was presented with his gold Fritz Walter medal in the U17 category by Ronny Zimmermann, DFB vice-president for youth football. “Winning this medal has been a big target for me for a long time. That’s why it means a lot to me to receive this award now,” said Wirtz on dfb.de.

crop_DSCF6049-2.jpg
Honoured in the U17 category: Bayer 04 player Florian Wirtz shows his gold Fritz Walter metal. Source: DFB

The 17-year-old along with teammate Lennart Grill is currently with the Germany U21 squad. The Germany team play Bosnia-Herzegovina in a Euro U21 qualifier Tuesday 13 October (18.15 CEST/live on ProSieben MAXX).

With Fabian Otto: Task force starts work

On Tuesday 13 October, the ‘Task force for the future of professional football’ is discussing the lessons from the Covid-19 crisis for the first time since the group’s formation. A total of 35 experts in the fields of sport, politics, research, business and media were appointed to the working party by the DFL executive committee. This includes Fabian Otto, director of finance and personnel at Bayer 04. “I’m looking forward to being able to play a positive role in these important discussions for professional football. I’m keen to see the character of the group and hear their wide range of views,” said Otto after being appointed in the middle of September.

25_Football_90001_BuLi-Start-Clubs_DCM-P_814_1509_300x250.jpg

Related News

Gruppenfoto
Football Academy - 07.09.2026

Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visits Leverkusen

A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.

Show more
Equi Fernández
Business - 07.09.2026

Fashion and style for the Werkself: LERROS remains Bayer 04's official outfitter

The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.

Show more
Moussa Diaby nach Abpfiff
Bayer 04 - 05.09.2026

Diaby homecoming caps off big win at the BayArena

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.

Show more
Werkself shines in 4-0 win over Union Berlin in Diaby's comeback | 2nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 05.09.2026

TV highlights of 4-0 win against Union Berlin

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win against Union Berlin on Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...

Show more
Auslosung 2. Rudne DFB-Pokal
DFB-Pokal - 05.09.2026

Bayer 04 to host Nürnberg in second round of 2026/27 DFB Pokal

Bayer 04 have been handed a home tie in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal after being paired with Nürnberg in Saturday evening’s draw at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. Games will be played on 27/28 October, with the German FA to confirm kick-off times in due course.

Show more