“Even though she isn’t always on the pitch, Melissa is a very valuable part of our squad thanks to her wealth of experience,” said Achim Feifel, sporting director of the Bayer 04 Women’s team: “That’s why we’re very pleased to retain her as an important constant and a leader, someone many of the new players can look up to. Whenever she plays, we can always rely on her.”
Friedrich is starting her eleventh season at Bayer 04. During that time, she has made a total of 115 appearances and scored four goals. Last season, the 29-year-old made twelve appearances in the Bundesliga.
“I’m delighted to have extended my contract with Bayer 04 once again. After ten special years, I’m proud to continue being part of this club,” said Friedrich: “Our progress over the past few years has been impressive, and I’m convinced we’re a long way from reaching the end of the road. I aim to continue playing my part in ensuring we keep climbing higher and higher up the table. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and to helping shape the club’s ambitious goals.”
From the 2027/28 season, the Women’s Bundesliga will be organised by an independent league association. Following the unanimous decision taken at the DFB Bundestag (national conference) on Friday afternoon, the league’s separation from the DFB is now official.
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The next home fixture is here: Following the winning start to the UEFA Europa League against NK Celje, the Werkself host RB Leipzig at the BayArena on matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. The match on Sunday, 20 September, kicks off at 15:30 CEST. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the qualities of the opposition and the work being done to improve his team’s performance. The Spaniard also provided updates on Ibrahim Maza and Montrell Culbreath.
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Following the Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig (Sunday, 20 September, 15:30 CEST), some of the Werkself first team players will be heading off for the first international break of the season. Here is an overview of the Bayer 04 players called up for their national teams and all the details of their upcoming matches.
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A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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