
The evening began with a group photo. That was followed by a full programme for the Barmenia employees and their families. Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi dispensed Glühwein, Niklas Lomb and Florian Wirtz served kale and crêpes.
Florian Wirtz commented: "It's an important event for our main sponsors and obviously significant to us because of that. I only know Bayer 04 wearing the Barmenia logo on the shirt and for me it all fits together. At the end of the day, it's always great to gain an insight into the partners. Especially at Christmas time evenings like that are also particularly full of atmosphere."





The players were happy to sign autographs and pose for photos and afterwards took part in table football games with one or two Barmenia employees.
Heiko Scholz, main head of department and head of marketing at Barmenia, was also excited about the joint Christmas evening with the Werkself: "We were totally happy with the commitment shown tonight by the players and coaches. Above all, for our employees and the children, there were exciting and unique moments being able to see the players and coaches close-up.”





Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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