Isabel Kerschowski is coming full circle: The Berliner joined Bayer 04 from Turbine Potsdam in 2012. That was followed by a spell at VfL Wolfsburg (2014-18) and finally a return to the Werkself. The defender is now heading home to Potsdam. The move is not easy for the 33-year-old, “at the end of the day it was a decision of the heart. I can get back to my wife and family and end my playing days where it all started,” Kerschowski said in explaining her decision. “I’ll leave with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. I’ve always really felt at home here. It’s a great team and I’ve been able to help the side achieve our targets with my experience.”
After returning three years ago, the seven-time champion of Germany, five-time cup winner and Champions League winner and Olympic Gold winner in 2016 took up a leading role in the team and wore the captain’s armband. Then came a bitter blow after three games: The 21-cap Germany international suffered a torn cruciate and was out of action for a year. She fought her way back through great strength of will – ‘Isy’ was back to her best this season and did not miss a single match. She has made a total of 73 appearances for Leverkusen to date.
“We can fully understand Isy’s wish to return home to her family. When she returned in 2018, she wanted to help the team establish themselves again after promotion to the Bundesliga. Even though her plan was disrupted by the serious injury, it work out looking back and we’re very grateful about that,” said Linda Schöttler, women’s team general manager at Bayer 04. “We will definitely miss her experience and her personality.”
Henrietta Csiszár is also leaving the club at the end of her contract after five years in a black and red shirt. The Hungary international was one of leaders in the Bayer 04 team in her first season. At times, she did lead the team onto the pitch as vice-captain. After relegation to the second division in 2017/18, Csiszár remained loyal to the club and went on to play a key role in getting promoted to the top-flight again. The experienced 27-year-old, with 109 appearances for the Werkself, wants to take the next step in her carrier and is considering a move abroad.
“I’d like to thank the club and the team for five unforgettable years. It was a tough decision for me as I’ve experienced loads of great moments here – such as going straight back up, staying up two years ago and the matches as captain. It was a great honour for me. I wish the team all the best and lots of success in the future,” said Csiszár.
“Heni developed incredibly here with us. She played a crucial role – both on and off the pitch in the overall development of our team. After five years at Bayer 04 we can understand her desire to take on a new challenge. We’ll be sad to see her go and we wish her all the best,” said Schöttler.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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