Florian Wirtz has already established himself as a key member of the Werkself at the age of just 18. His personal record for the season is impressive: The versatile midfielder scored eight goals and provided the same number of assists in 38 games across all competitions. After his move to Bayer 04, he first had to "earn respect and show what I could do over several months," said Wirtz in the latest edition of the Werkself Magazin. (The full interview is available HERE).
It is now clear: he has more than succeeded in that aim. The player born in Pulheim has not only made an impression on his teammates but also on the Bayer 04 fans. The newly crowned U21 European Champion received 23.8% of all votes cast but he did not believe he would be named Player of the Season 2020/21. "For me, Lars Bender is the Player of the Season. He's done so much of the club and was always there for the fans," said Wirtz. "But, of course, I'm happy about this award. Particularly because the fans voted. They appeared to like my performances and my way of playing football. That makes me happy and motivates me to make an even greater effort."
16.8% of all votes from the Werkself fans went to the new honorary captain Lars Bender in second place. The defensive stalwart hung up his boots at the end of the season after 12 years under the Bayer Cross. Third place went to Leon Bailey who picked up 12.9% of the votes cast. Our number nine had an impressive season and had the highest number of goals and assists in the team. His record: 15 goals plus 11 assists in 40 games.
The Bayer 04 Club again awarded first class prizes among those Bayer 04 members taking part in the vote. The main winner Marco Gottschlich received two VIP tickets for a Werkself home game. Given the long absence of fans at the BayArena, this prize is a particularly special highlight. Like the majority of the fans, he gave his vote to Wirtz: "Even though in the second half of the season, as with many others, not everything went to plan, he never lacked commitment and passion. His body language is motivation for a lot of older players. He makes his mark – both on and off the pitch. At that age it's pretty remarkable."
In addition to the main prize, a lot of other great prizes went to Bayer 04 Members including a Bayer 04 adventure day, consisting of a Bayer arena tour plus a 30-minute Schwadbus tour, the new home shirt and vouchers for the fan shop. Bayer 04 thank all fans and members for taking part.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer have shown great commitment to the community as the sale of custom-designed T-shirts for charity in the Fanwelt as part of the “BarmeniaGothaer Brings Joy campaign raised a good €5,000. Bayer 04 matched this sum with an equal contribution. As a result, a total of €10,000 was presented to Edmond Tapsoba for his foundation ahead of the home match against Hamburg. The foundation supports people facing challenging daily circumstances in his home country of Burkina Faso.
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Bayer 04 host Hamburg at the BayArena for the first time since September 2017 on the final day of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Saturday (15:30 CEST). HSV are safe in their first campaign back in the top flight after back-to-back wins, but Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 19 games against promoted teams as they go for the victory they need to have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. There’s also heavy discounts on food and drinks at the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 fixture in our matchday news.
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As well as previously confirmed departures, Bayer 04 Women will also say goodbye to Vanessa Haim and Shen Menglu before Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Werder Bremen as the pair leave Leverkusen upon the expiration of their contracts.
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The climax to a long season, emotional farewells and hopes of a major triumph: Bayer 04 Women face a thrilling final matchday in the Bundesliga. In the clash against SV Werder Bremen on Sunday, 17 May (kick-off: 14:00 CEST) at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, the Werkself could make history and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history – provided rivals Eintracht Frankfurt lose at home to 1. FC Union Berlin at the same time. Even setting aside the sporting context, it's set to be a special afternoon.
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