By taking this action, the Werkself are looking to draw attention to the long-standing commitment of the foundation. Deutsche Krebshilfe has been providing support for people suffering from cancer and their relatives since 1974. According to the motto of "Help. Research. Information." the organisation promotes projects for the improvement of prevention, screening, diagnosis, therapy, medical after-care and psychosocial care.
Matthias Adler, head of fans and sustainability: "The Deutsche Krebshilfe organisation with Bayer 04 advocate a healthy lifestyle as a preventative measure. This is happening as part of the project of Football Fans in Training. On the 50th anniversary, we want to raise additional awareness of Deutsche Krebshilfe with our profile in the cup competition on our sleeves."
Gerd Nettekoven, CEO of the Stiftung Deutsche Krebshilfe: "We are very happy that the German champions are showing commitment to the Deutsche Krebshilfe and making the sleeve on the team jerseys available free of charge for the Pokal game against Jena. The increased awareness for our important work in all areas in the fight against cancer is of very great value to us."
This is not a one-off event. Bayer 04 has been in partnership with the Deutsche Krebshilfe organisation for many years and is planning further joint actions with the foundation in this anniversary year: Bayer 04 will take part in a special campaign in professional sport in the autumn initiated by the foundation. In addition, together with the Deutsche Krebshilfe, Bayer 04 will be staging a ‘Football fans in training’ tournament 2024 on 12 October with participants from all over Germany.
At ‘Football fans in training’ overweight fans have the opportunity to lose kilos on free courses with professional support at Bayer 04 facilities and to look at their own diets in groups with like-minded people. The preventative project is now being carried out in 25 clubs in the three professional leagues in Germany together with the Deutsche Krebshilfe organisation.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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