
Rüdiger, what does the new shirt feel like?
Vollborn: Just like it should do: absolute top quality. I also know our kit managers are very happy with the quality. And in terms of the look I’ve got to say: I really, really like this shirt. The people at JAKO have certainly put their thinking caps on, above all the designer David Blanch. I think it’s great when somebody gets so involved with our club and produce shirts like this one.
What details do you particularly like?
Vollborn: I think it’s brilliant the way the Leverkusen skyline appears on the collar. You can see the Bayer Cross, the water tower, the town hall gallery and a lot more. City, factory and club all belong together. And the collar expresses that for me. The love of detail with the stripes 72 millimetres apart reflecting the fact the Bayer Cross had a 72-metre diameter - fantastic! And then the fact the numbers on the shirt reflect the style of the 1970s club badge. Fantastic. This shirt is linked to our history and tradition. And the people at Jako have really dug deep here. Hats off to them!
What impressions did you get from your visit to Jako?
Vollborn: A great company with lots of young people full of brilliant ideas. I hope we can work with Jako over the long term. I think we can definitely help each other.
How do you think the fans will react?
Vollborn: I’m pretty sure all the shirts,including the away and third kits, will go down very well. Our fans are in for a real treat.


The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
Show more
Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
Show more
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
Show more
Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
Show more