Rudi Völler receives DFL honorary award
Award for Rudi Völler: The longstanding Bayer 04 director, now a member of the shareholders committee, received an honorary award from the German Football League (DFL) today, Tuesday 17 January.
At the traditional DFL New Year’s reception, Hans-Joachim Watzke presented the 1990 World Cup winner with the award in front of over 400 guests in Offenbach – the city where Rudi Völler took his first steps in professional football in the middle of the 1970s.
“Of course, I’m very happy about the award, I grew up ten minutes away from here,” said Völler at the DFL New Year’s reception in Offenbach, where the Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes were also in attendance.
Illustrious group: 15 DFL honorary award winners
The award for the 62-year-old Völler was announced at the DFL general meeting in August of last year. The former Leverkusen director was unable to take part in the event back then for personnel reasons and now he has received the honour in person.
Through their honorary award the DFL (German Football League) recognises the great achievements of personalities in German professional football based on the decisions of their management committee. A total of 15 people are DFL honorary award winners to date.
Photos: DFL/Witters
Related News
Sustainability - 28.03.2026
Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 28.03.2026
Earth Hour 2026: BayArena switches off lights for the planet
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026
Goalscorer and hard worker: Alajbegovic and big steps in Salzburg
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 24.03.2026
Nathan Tella signs new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 24.03.2026
'Amazing feeling to be part of this club': Tella extends contract to 2031
Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
Show more
