Machtens bound for the USA
Homegrown player Pauline Machtens will leave the Women’s team at the end of the season. Bayer 04 and the 18-year-old have agreed to Machtens playing for Syracuse University in the state of New York from the summer of 2021.
“Pauline expressed her desire to gain academic and sporting experience abroad. We are happy to oblige,” said Thomas Eichin, head of the Youth and Women’s sections at Bayer 04. “She’s a player with potential and great ambition. She will be able to compare herself with the best at the college over there.”
Pauline Machtens has a full-time grant to study at Syracuse University and she will also be able to carry on playing professional football for the college team. The team is in the ACC, one of the oldest leagues in American university sport. “Syracuse University offers me a real challenge and I’m grateful to Bayer 04 for allowing me to make this move,” said Machtens. “I’d like to take this opportunity to be a better player and I’m really excited at being able to start a new adventure.”
Pauline Machtens started playing at Leverkusen with the U13s; in 2019/20 she moved up from the junior section to the Women’s squad. She has made nine appearances to date.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 04.08.2026
Day 3 blog: Training, interviews and Schneider visit | Training camp in Weimarer Land
The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day three (Tuesday 4 August) begins with a thorough open session on the pitch. After lunch, some players have media engagements at the team hotel, and then the team come together for a barbecue in the evening.
Show more
Sustainability - 04.08.2026
Inclusion in Black and Red: The Inklusionswerkself wow the crowds at the Genuine Cup 2026
Nine matches against teams from nine countries, two penalty shoot-outs won, and encounters that went far beyond football: As with last year, the Inklusionswerkself enjoyed an extraordinary week at the Genuine Cup 2026 in Houston, USA, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, the Leverkusen side took part as Germany’s official representatives and, accordingly, took to the pitch in Germany kit. Together with 53 teams from 53 nations, the Black and Reds once again sent a powerful message of inclusion and participation – and also impressed on the pitch by winning their group.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 03.08.2026
Day 2 blog: Intense work on the pitch – fan meet-up at the Schloss | Training camp in the Weimarer Land region
The Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog, you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme for day two (Monday, 3 August) centres on two training sessions – one in the morning (open to the public) and one in the early evening (behind closed doors) – at the nearby training grounds. In the afternoon, fans can look forward to a big fan meet-up with club legend Paulo Sergio at Schloss Blankenhain.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 03.08.2026
Hotel tour with Moreira & Badé: Exclusive insights into the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land
“Say hello to the Werkself!” – With this request, Loïc Bade gathers everybody in front of his GoPro: Including team-mates like Ibrahim Maza, Lucas Vázquez, Aleix Garcia and Ernest Poku, or Bayer 04 CEO Fernando Carro, head coach Carles Martínez, or even the reception team at the Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land. In between, there are glimpses of the pool area and the Werkself’s team quarters. Enjoy!
Show more
