“The campaign for the early detection of prostate cancer has been very clearly and positively recognised by Bayer 04 fans. The current euphoria surrounding the club has certainly also helped to generate an appealing donation sum for PalliLev, with which we have been closely associated for years,” said Meinolf Sprink, Director of Fans/Community at Bayer 04, during the presentation of the donation cheque to the Klinikum Leverkusen.
Five of the six signed jerseys were auctioned off online, while another was auctioned off directly at Klinikum Leverkusen as part of a specially organised campaign. The money raised will be used to raise awareness of the need for early detection of prostate cancer.
Photo (l-r.): Dr Mathias Roßberg (Head of the Oncology Business Unit, Bayer Vital), Prof. Utz Krug (Director of the Oncology Centre, Leverkusen Hospital), Dr Daniel Porres (Director of the Urology Clinic, Klinikum Leverkusen) and Meinolf Sprink (Director of Fans/Social Affairs, Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
About #stellkrebsvomplatz:
The #stellkrebsvomplatz campaign sends out an important message in the fight against prostate cancer. With around 60,000 new cases per year in Germany, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Early detection of prostate cancer offers the opportunity to diagnose the disease at an early, often easily treatable stage. Further information on prostate cancer and screening can be found at stellkrebsvomplatz.de.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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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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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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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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