"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."
Welcome back! On Tuesday morning, 11 August, Jarell Quansah and Exequiel Palacios – the last of the Werkself’s World Cup participants – returned to training. The two medallists and their team-mates are set to play their final two pre-season friendlies in England this week before the start of competitive fixtures.
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Bayer 04 have unveiled the new third kit for the 2026/27 season. The design, developed by kit supplier New Balance, combines the city’s colours with symbols that have defined Leverkusen and Bayer 04 for generations.
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Tickets for the first two Bayer 04 women’s team home games are now on general sale. A week after their league opener away at RB Leipzig, Roberto Pätzold’s side will face last season’s runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, in the first home fixture on Sunday 30 August (kick-off: 16:00 CEST). Fifteen days later, on Monday night, 14 September (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), the Leverkusen Women host German champions Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for a top-of-the-table league clash. You can now also select specific seats via the online shop. The latest information on match ticket sales.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Montrell Culbreath for the start of the 2026/27 season. The forward injured his foot injury in yesterday’s preseason friendly against Spanish top-flight side Sevilla (2–1), which rules him out of action for the time being. Culbreath’s diagnosis is not yet complete; further examinations are to follow in the coming days.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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