The 6- to 14-year-olds took their places on the edge of the pitch at the BayArena wide-eyed and full of questions. There was great excitement when Karim Bellarabi opened the door to the inside of the stadium. The popularity of the career of the offensive player amongst the youngsters was clear from one of the first questions: "Bellarabi, how do you become a football player?"
In addition, the Leverkusen crowd favourite revealed that his current squad number 38 was the same in his professional debut for Eintracht Braunschweig and that he scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Black and Reds in a home game against Bayern Munich. Another very special moment was the sound of the Champions League anthem before the start of matches in Europe’s premier club competition.
After the thirst for knowledge of the young players had been sated and autographs made on shirts, boots and drinking bottles, Bellarabi signed off with a group selfie with the enthusiastic children and teenagers at the Bayer 04 soccer school.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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