Michael Urbansky, recently assistant coach for the Germany Women's team under Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, is in charge of the Germany U19 Women's team as head coach for the first time in the two international fixtures against the Netherlands on 24 February (kick-off: 19.00 CET) and against Italy on 27 February (kick-off: 16.00 CET). He follows Kathrin Peter, who is now in charge of the Germany U20 Women. In his squad of 22 players, there are six from the Bundesliga squad of the Bayer 04 Women in goalkeeper Anne Moll plus the outfield players Paulina Bartz, Loreen Bender, Delice Boboy, Estrella Merino Gonzalez and Julia Mickenhagen. The two friendlies for the U19s, which are part of preparations for the crucial European Championship qualifying round of the start of April, will be played in La Nucia in Spain. In addition to the sextet, Sofie Zdebel is also away with the Germany youth set-up: The midfielder was called up by Peter for the 24-player squad for the international trip to Spain. Germany first play the hosts in Alicante on 22 February (kick-off: 18.00 CET) and then they face Mexico in Benidorm on 25 February (kick-off: 18.00 CET).
"This large number of players called up makes us proud and is an indication of our work and, at the same time, also an expression of our club philosophy," said Achim Feifel, sporting director of the Bayer 04 Women: "We want to give young and talented players the chance to develop and step up to the Bundesliga. But, at the same time, it's also a special challenge for us because it is important to offer these players more and more time on the pitch."
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
