
The 72 pages of the document describe the many sides of the ongoing work in the community and provides an in-depth insight into the different areas of social commitment. Subjects such as inclusion, volunteering, the interaction of the various supporters groups plus children and youth work are the key areas in the report. In addition, Bayer 04 Leverkusen also highlight aspects such as employee development, environmentally-friendly catering at the BayArena and Youth team development.
“The key point is the central question of our current and future corporate strategy: How do issues of the environment, society, fans, employees, players and partners of the Werkself influence our core business of football,” said Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade in explaining the aim of the CSR report. He emphasised, “social responsibility - as is the case with the parent company Bayer AG - has a long tradition and practical implementation.”
The A4 brochure, in both German and English, and available online, presents a proactive view of Bayer 04 staff, fans, media as well as the multipliers in football. Under the rubric ‘Wir.04’, case examples, interviews and photo galleries document the great community feeling in and around Bayer 04 Leverkusen that is a driving force, concept and obligation for getting involved with the community to make a contribution to society in Leverkusen, the surrounding region and overseas as well. This clearly demonstrates the potential significance and power of football in making a valuable contribution to solving social challenges.

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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