"We are very proud of this partnership, which is marked by professionalism and shared commitment," said Fernando Carro, chairman of the board at Bayer 04. "There is a high degree of mutual estimation between the management at Barmenia and us. The now long-term cooperation demonstrates this affinity and the motivation to develop our partnership at a high level over the coming years."
For the Barmenia insurance group and their marketing and sales director Frank Lamsfuß the extension of the commitment is expression of continuity and confidence: "We have successfully positioned ourselves as partners of Bayer 04 and have been able to significantly increase the perception of our brand. With the long-term continuation of this relationship we want to further strengthen this base and further exploit our market potential. The whole Barmenia team is looking forward to the forthcoming years with Bayer 04."
The features of the contract between Barmenia and Bayer 04 include comprehensive advertising presence at the BayArena on matchdays in addition to the kit sponsorship. Plus there are increasingly innovative formats in the area of digital media as well as highly emotional fan input.
Hendrik Schiphorst, Executive Vice President Football at Lagardère Sports, the marketing partner of Bayer 04, said: "We are very happy that we were able to successfully help shape the partnership between Barmenia and Bayer 04 Leverkusen over the past few years. Barmenia and Bayer 04 Leverkusen go perfectly together and we look forward to being able to continue providing our expertise for two ambitious brands in the field of sports sponsorship."
Barmenia Versicherungen has been the main and kit sponsor of Bayer 04 since July 2016. Both the club Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Barmenia Versicherungen were founded in 1904. Barmenia is one of the independent insurance groups in Germany. They they have 3,800 employees across Germany including 1,700 at their base in Wuppertal. Their product range covers sickness and life-insurance, through accident and car insurance to liability insurance and property insurance.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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