"When Kristin came to us, it was soon clear to see that she had clear ambitions and great focus, willingness and winning mentality," said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women sporting director. "With that mindset she's managed to continually develop into a key player and leader on and off the pitch. As a result, she's been one of our most influential players of recent years. Over the last few months, we've had an open and honest dialogue about her future plans, and the idea of looking for a new challenge abroad has always been part of her thoughts. We thank her very much for her great service and wish her only the best in her sporting and personal life."
Since her move from FC Bayern Munich in 2022, the former German U23 international has made a total of 140 appearances in all competitions for Bayer 04, scoring 27 goals as well as 18 assists. In her role as vice-captain, Kögel has led the team out on several occasions. She has netted at least four goals in every season since 2022/23, and is on the same number of goals in the current campaign after 24 Bundesliga appearances so far.
"My time here at Bayer 04 has been incredibly formative and wonderful for me," reflected Kögel. "Six years full of great people and unforgettable moments, which I will carry with me forever. I'm wholly grateful to the club, my team and the fans for the trust and the support that I've felt in all the years. I've been able to develop into a leading play here and have always tried to take on responsibility, drive things forward and give everything for the club every day. I will always stay connected to Bayer 04. Now I feel ready to take on a new challenge abroad."
Full-back Julia Mickenhagen is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season to join Bundesliga newcomers VfB Stuttgart. The 21-year-old’s contract with the club expires on 30 June.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-1 win at RB Leipzig on the 25th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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The Werkself need a win in their penultimate match of the season at RB Leipzig on Monday evening (18:00 CEST) to keep their hopes of third place alive until the final day. After Eintracht Frankfurt lost on Saturday, Roberto Pätzold's side can close the gap on their rivals to two points and leave it all to play for next Sunday.
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Werkself fans from across the New York City area gathered Saturday morning at Smithfield Hall in Manhattan to cheer on Bayer 04 in the club’s crucial Bundesliga showdown against VfB Stuttgart given the match’s big implications.
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In the next head-to-head clash for the Champions League places at VfB Stuttgart, Bayer 04 failed to follow up their impressive 4-1 win at home to RB Leipzig from the week before. After Aleix Garcia gave the Werkself the lead with their fastest goal of the season, the Swabians turned the game around and won 3-1, knocking Leverkusen down into sixth place. It leaves them needing a win at home to Hamburger SV and other results to go their way on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign in order to reclaim fourth spot. The Werkself Review has all the analysis and reaction from all those involved in an eventful encounter with VfB.
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