The Werkself number four is one of six German players to produce the strongest performances at the U21 European Championships in Italy and San Marino according to UEFA's six-person, international observer team. The top eleven also includes Alexander Nübel (goalkeeper), Lukas Klostermann (right-back), Benjamin Henrichs (left-back), Mahmoud Dahoud (holding midfield) and Luca Waldschmidt (attacking midfield).
The team of the U21 Euros: Alexander Nübel (Germany, FC Schalke 04) – Lukas Klostermann (Germany, RB Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Germany, Bayer 04), Jesús Vallejo (Spain, Real Madrid), Benjamin Henrichs (Germany, AS Monaco) – Fabián Ruiz (Germany, SSC Napoli), Mahmoud Dahoud (Germany, Borussia Dortmund) – Dani Olmo (Spain, Dinamo Zagreb), Luca Waldschmidt (Germany, SC Freiburg), Dani Ceballos (Spain, Real Madrid) – George Puşcaş (Romania, US Palermo)
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
Show more
Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
Show more
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
Show more
The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
