“This signature is more than just signing a contract,” Piero Hincapie said. “Bayer 04 Leverkusen has become like a family to me after three-and-a-half years. The club and the fans are special, and we have a team that showed last season what’s possible when you unconditionally stick together. I’m really happy that people are pleased with me and giving me the chance to continue to help shape the future of this club.”
Bayer 04 managing director for sport Simon Rolfes stressed the importance of the tough-tackling and versatile defender to the Werkself. “Piero Hincapie came to us as a 19-year-old in 2021, but even then we could see the confidence he has in his abilities,” Rolfes recalls of the now 43-time Ecuador international’s start to life in Leverkusen. “Today Piero battles on an equal footing with world-class players like Lionel Messi and Mo Salah. He’s earned that respect from around the world. It’s even better for us that Piero has now committed himself long term again to Bayer 04.”
Hincapie moved to the BayArena from Argentinian side Talleres in 2021. The 1.84-metre-tall left-footer has turned out to be an ideal signing for Bayer 04. He’s taken the step from talented youngster to top professional and played a big part in the club’s Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double, as well as the Supercup victory of 2024. The 22-year-old has so far made 141 competitive appearances for the Werkself, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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