Back
17.01.2023Bayer 04

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.
crop_220117_NJE_2023_Watzke-Voeller_Querformat.jpg

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.

crop_220117_NJE_2023_Hellmann_Carro_Witters.jpg

“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

Luca Erlein
Bayer 04 - 27.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan Luca Erlein to Energie Cottbus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Talented defender with a promising future: Luca Erlein profiled

Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.

Show more
Luca Erlein und Simon Rolfes bei der Vertragsunterschrift
Bayer 04 - 25.07.2026

Bayer 04 sign Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.

Show more
Neue Kaffee-Partnerschaft mit Imping
Business - 24.07.2026

Imping is Bayer 04’s new coffee partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.

Show more