"Melissa has consistently fought her way back from serious injury and is a real role model on and off the pitch. Her great loyalty to the club is impressive. We are all the more delighted that, with her vast experience, she will continue to play an important role in our team in the coming season," said Bayer 04 Women sporting director Achim Feifel. "When she recently made a return to the starting XI, she proved once again that we can rely on her at all times."
Despite suffering setbacks through a number of injury-related absences since arriving at Bayer 04 from 1. FFC Frankfurt nine years ago, Friedrich has made 102 competitive appearances (four goals). After they were relegated from the Bundesliga in 2017, she helped the Werkself achieve promotion at the first time of asking the following season. In the 2024/25 campaign, she had to make up a training deficit in the Hinrunde, but then went on to make four appearances in the Rückunde, three of them in the starting XI.
"I'm really looking forward to my tenth year at Bayer 04. It's always something special for me to play for this club, which has a special place in my heart," said Friedrich: "I'm happy that I'm fit, I want to support the team as best I can and play my part in another successful season."
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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