Juliette, you started in your first game for Bayer 04 – in the 3-2 opening win at Freiburg. What was your Bundesliga debut like?
Vidal: I was nervous but full of anticipation at the same time. The team had great energy on the pitch and the mentality of never giving up. Fortunately that paid off in the end. The fact the game was so physical suited my style of play. Now I'm looking forward to our next challenges.
Do you know the background to your surname in Leverkusen?
Vidal: As a child, I looked out for players who had my surname. Then I thought: Oh, there's Arturo Vidal from Chile, how cool. But to be honest I didn't know that he played here until I signed for Leverkusen. Then I read the comments on social media… (she laughs).
Arturo Vidal played for Leverkusen from 2007 to 2011 and scored 15 goals in 117 games as a defensive midfielder. You can also play in defensive midfield. Could his time at Bayer 04 be a role model for you?
Vidal: Of course, that would be an interesting target. I don't look so far into the future but why not? I've nothing against it.
What's your favourite position on the pitch?
Vidal: Where I play completely depends on the set-up as a team. I can play in defensive midfield and I like it when there are lots of players around me. As a central defender I have the game in front of me and I can play passes in different directions. I've also played at left-back but I don't think that will be the case here. But that would be okay in an emergency (she laughs).
How would you describe your style of play?
Vidal: I like attacking the ball in a high press. My aim is always to give 100% regardless of the scoreline. That mentality is one of my strengths. During my time at FC Basel, several German players advised me to switch to the Bundesliga as the league is known for its intense tackles and challenges.
Last season you won the league title with Anderlecht: What was the season like and what does winning that trophy mean to you?
Vidal: We had a strong winning mentality built on winning six league titles in succession before. That meant every training session was very intense, we knew what we were working for, that was our mindset and our clear target. At that club it was not an option to win the title but more of an expectation. We were the ones being chased in every game. When we finally withstood that pressure then the relief and the joy were even greater. It was a special kind of pressure that you get used to incredibly quickly.
You opted for a rather unusual squad number of 56 – why was that?
Vidal: In France every departement has a number, my hometown Morbihan in Brittany has the number 56. We are very proud of our departments and 56 was just right as I don't have any special favourite number. On top of that, five and six are also my positions on the pitch.
What do you think you and your new team can achieve this season?
Vidal: We have a lot of quality in the team and the coach gives is a very concrete idea of playing which we are more and more taking on board. Of course, a lot of the other teams are difficult to assess but I'm very confident overall. Personally I'd like to play as many games as possible and enjoy my time on the pitch regardless of in which position.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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