
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.

The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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