"Julia had her first chance in our Bundesliga team last season and she took it. She is now an established member of the squad but also has a lot of potential to develop," said Achim Feifel, the Bayer 04 Women's team sporting director, about the 19-year-old: "We have great confidence in her ability and are sure this will be seen more and more on the pitch in future."
The ten-time U19 international Mickenhagen came to Leverkusen from SG Wipperfeld/Thier and progressed through the U16, U17 and U23 teams. She played her only game in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga to date last February in the match away to FC Nürnberg (2-1). She was in the squad for two more matches. She was selected by Germany U19 coach Michael Urbansky last Thursday for the European Championships ibnv Lithuania from 14 to 27 July.
"I'm very much looking forward to working with our new coach Roberto Pätzold. After a hopefully successful Euros I want to bring that back to Leverkusen straightaway," said Mickenhagen: "I've got the best opportunity and facilities here to be able to continue my development and I want to get as much time on the pitch as possible in the Bundesliga in the coming season."
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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