1.10.2020Werkself-TV

Falko Götz: ‘Very happy the move proved to be a success’

As a very promising talent with the GDR record champions BFC Dynamo, Falko Götz dreamt of trying his luck in West Germany early on. Ahead of a European Cup tie in Belgrade, the then 21-year-old together with his teammate Dirk Schlegel slipped away from the rest of the team on 3 November 1983 – and that was followed by an equally adventurous as dangerous flight from Yugoslavia to Germany plus the desired big career in football.

In the fourth part of our series ‘30 years of reunification’, Falko Götz explains in an interview (in German) with Bayer 04 TV his flight, his years in the West at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and his pioneer role for other football players from East Germany…

Here you can access the other parts of the series:
Part 1: 30 years of reunification – A lucky break for Bayer 04
Part 2: ‘Scholle’s’ game for the history books
Part 3: Reiner Calmund: “I had tears in my eyes”

Related News

Youth - 02.07.2026

U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany make semis – Culbreath and Onyeka on target

Following their 4–3 opening victory against Denmark, the Germany U19s made it two wins out of two by defeating hosts Wales, securing their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare. In the 4–0 win, Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka once again put in impressive performances, with both finding the back of the net.

Women - 01.07.2026

Young talent Sana Coskun signs contract with Bayer 04

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed home-grown talent Sana Coskun on professional terms. The 18-year-old midfielder, who made her Bundesliga debut last season, has signed a contract to 30 June 2029.

Women - 01.07.2026

Paulina Bartz makes permanent move to Hamburger SV

Attacking midfielder Paulina Bartz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen for good on a permanent move to Hamburger SV in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. The 21-year-old, who was on loan to the newly promoted side in the winter, originally had a contract to 2027.

Football Academy - 01.07.2026

Bayer 04 Football School becomes Bayer 04 Football Academy

The Bayer 04 Football School opened in 2007 – now this successful programme is getting a new name and a new logo: with immediate effect, the Bayer 04 Football School powered by BarmeniaGothaer is becoming the Bayer 04 Football Academy powered by BarmeniaGothaer.