Veterans back in action
The Bayer 04 Veterans team started training again last week and have a clear target in sight: To put last season's defeat in the German Over 40s Cup behind them and get going again.
The players have been back on the pitch together since 8 September. After discussions with Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, medical director and pandemics officer at Bayer 04, and the management at the Kurtekotten Academy, training was moved to the Kurt-Rieß-Anlage pitch to avoid coming into contact with other teams and to maintain the hygiene protocols. A large number of players were back for the first week of training.
The Bayer 04 Veterans have their first game since the enforced break in two weeks time. The Black and Reds are away to the team from the Rhineland Palatinate SG Hoppstädten-Weiersbach in the German Over 40s Cup on Saturday, 3 October. The competition was interrupted in March by the coronavirus pandemic. All clubs still involved in the competition have declared they want to complete the cup by the end of the year while adhering to all the health and safety measures.
The Bayer 04 Over 40s team beat SV 04 Attendorn 1-0 in the first round of the cup last November.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 25.05.2026
Season review 2025/26, part II: Highs and lows of an eventful season
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.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 24.05.2026
2025/26 season review, part I: Upheaval, change, euphoria
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.
Show more
Women - 22.05.2026
Seventh new arrival: Bayer 04 sign centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein from Frankfurt
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.
Show more
Women - 21.05.2026
Bayer 04 sign midfielder Paulina Platner from Essen
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.
Show more
