From Industrial Roots to Footballing Glory – The Rise of Die Werkself
Introduction
Bayer 04 Leverkusen, officially known as Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH, is one of Germany’s most dynamic and storied football clubs. Based in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, the club competes in the Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football division, and plays its home matches at the iconic BayArena, a stadium with a seating capacity of 30,210 that has witnessed decades of thrilling footballing drama.
Founded on July 1, 1904, by employees of the pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG, Bayer Leverkusen—affectionately known as "Die Werkself" (The Factory XI)—has always carried a unique industrial spirit. The club originated as part of TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and RTHC Bayer Leverkusen, multi-sport organizations with a rich tradition in athletics, gymnastics, basketball, handball, rowing, tennis, and hockey. In 1999, the football department became an independent entity, marking a new chapter in the club’s pursuit of footballing excellence.
The club’s colors, black and red, symbolize the passion and tenacity that have defined Leverkusen’s footballing ethos. Over the years, the club has cultivated fierce rivalries with regional adversaries like 1. FC Köln, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Fortuna Düsseldorf, adding intensity and excitement to every season.
Bayer Leverkusen’s rise to the Bundesliga in 1979 marked the beginning of a remarkable era. The club captured its first major international honor in 1988, winning the UEFA Cup, and claimed its maiden domestic trophy, the DFB-Pokal, in 1993. Despite consistent strong performances, Leverkusen endured decades of near misses, finishing as runners-up in multiple competitions, most famously in 2002 when they were heartbreakingly second-best in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
However, persistence paid off. In 2024, Bayer Leverkusen rewrote their history books by clinching their first-ever Bundesliga title and their second DFB-Pokal. The triumph was made even sweeter by their unbeaten league and domestic double, setting a European record of 51 consecutive unbeaten competitive games. This unprecedented feat solidified their status as German footballing giants and showcased the tactical brilliance of head coach Xabi Alonso and the club’s unwavering commitment to attacking football.
Today, Bayer Leverkusen is more than just a football club; it’s a symbol of ambition and innovation. Owned by Bayer AG and led by Chairman Fernando Carro and Sporting Director Simon Rolfes, the club continues to build for the future while honoring its proud past. With a vibrant squad and a playing style that excites fans across the globe, Leverkusen remains a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.
As Die Werkself continues to chase new heights, their story serves as an inspiration to football fans everywhere—proof that dedication, resilience, and passion can turn even the longest wait for glory into an unforgettable celebration.
History
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s journey began on November 27, 1903, when Wilhelm Hauschild, backed by 180 of his fellow workers, wrote to Friedrich Bayer and Co. seeking support to start a sports club. The company agreed, and on July 1, 1904, Turn- und Spielverein Bayer 04 Leverkusen was founded as a works team. On May 31, 1907, a separate football department emerged within the club. However, cultural divides between gymnasts and other athletes led to a split, and on June 8, 1928, the footballers formed Sportvereinigung Bayer 04 Leverkusen, adopting red and black as their traditional colors, while the gymnasts continued as TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen in blue and yellow.
Throughout the 1930s, SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen played in the third and fourth divisions, earning promotion to the second tier in 1936. This marked the first appearance of the iconic "Bayer" cross on their kits. The club made its upper league debut in 1951 in the Oberliga West, though relegation followed in 1956. After returning to top-tier football in 1962, Leverkusen found themselves in the Regionalliga West when the Bundesliga was formed, where they remained until their breakthrough in 1968, winning the division but falling short of promotion.
In 1973, Bayer Leverkusen was relegated to the third division but bounced back quickly. Four years later, they earned their place in the Bundesliga, debuting in the 1979–80 season. By the mid-1980s, the club had become a stable Bundesliga side and, in 1984, reunited with TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen to form TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V., adopting red and white as the new club colors.
The club’s first major honor came in 1988, with a remarkable comeback to win the UEFA Cup against Espanyol, drawing 3–3 on aggregate and winning 3–2 on penalties. This period marked the beginning of a golden era, driven by general manager Reiner Calmund. After German reunification, Calmund signed East German stars Ulf Kirsten, Andreas Thom, and Jens Melzig, alongside budding Brazilian talents like Jorginho and Paulo Sérgio. The club also added charismatic players such as Bernd Schuster and Rudi Völler, ensuring both popularity and on-field success.
In 1993, Bayer Leverkusen captured the DFB-Pokal with a 1–0 victory over Hertha BSC's second team. By 1996, the club faced a relegation battle but recovered under coach Christoph Daum, with an exciting attacking style, aided by signings like Lúcio, Emerson, Zé Roberto, and Michael Ballack. However, Daum’s tenure ended abruptly due to a cocaine scandal, derailing what could have been a continued rise.
Between 1997 and 2002, Bayer Leverkusen earned four heartbreaking second-place Bundesliga finishes. In 2000, needing only a draw against SpVgg Unterhaching to secure the title, an own goal by Ballack contributed to a devastating 2–0 loss, handing Bayern Munich the trophy. The 2002 campaign was even more painful, as Leverkusen lost the Bundesliga title after surrendering a five-point lead, finished runners-up in the DFB-Pokal against Schalke 04, and lost the UEFA Champions League final 2–1 to Real Madrid. The English-language media infamously dubbed them "Neverkusen." That same year, five Bayer Leverkusen players were part of the German national team that lost the World Cup final, compounding the agony.
In the aftermath, Michael Ballack and Zé Roberto departed for Bayern Munich, leading to a transitional period. Klaus Augenthaler managed to guide the team to a third-place Bundesliga finish in 2004 and a Champions League knockout stage appearance, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Liverpool. After a rough start to the 2005–06 season, Augenthaler was replaced by Michael Skibbe, who turned the team’s fortunes around with two consecutive UEFA Cup qualifications.
Despite a promising start, the 2007–08 season ended in turmoil as poor form and fan unrest saw Skibbe sacked. Under new manager Bruno Labbadia, Bayer Leverkusen reached the 2009 DFB-Pokal final but lost to Werder Bremen. Labbadia departed, and Jupp Heynckes took charge, leading the team to a Bundesliga runner-up finish in 2010–11, earning a Champions League place. Subsequent seasons saw mixed results, with third-place Bundesliga finishes in 2012–13 and 2015–16, but Champions League round of 16 eliminations.
The club made a notable return to European prominence in the 2019–20 Europa League, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Inter Milan. Yet, a new chapter began in October 2022, when Bayer Leverkusen, struggling in the relegation zone, appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach. Alonso steered the club to safety and a sixth-place finish, setting the stage for a historic 2023–24 campaign.
With strategic signings like Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Matej Kovar, Leverkusen embarked on a sensational run. They set a new club record for the longest unbeaten start to a season and broke the Bundesliga record for the longest unbeaten run in all competitions with 26 games. By May 2024, Leverkusen made history with a 5–0 victory over Werder Bremen, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title and ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance. On May 9, 2024, they set a new European record with 49 consecutive matches without a loss, surpassing Benfica’s streak from the 1960s. Though their unbeaten run ended in the Europa League final with a 3–0 loss to Atalanta, Leverkusen clinched a domestic double by winning the DFB-Pokal against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
The triumphs continued into the new season, with the team winning their first-ever DFL-Supercup on August 17, 2024, defeating VfB Stuttgart after penalties. However, their domestic unbeaten streak ended on August 31, 2024, with a 3–2 defeat to RB Leipzig. Still, Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable ascent from nearly men to champions stands as a testament to resilience, strategic planning, and the inspiring leadership of Xabi Alonso.
Infrastructure and Player Development
Bayer Leverkusen’s infrastructure is a cornerstone of the club’s success, blending tradition, innovation, and modernity. At the heart of this is the BayArena, the club’s home stadium, which has become a symbol of the team’s rise in German and European football. Originally opened in 1958 as the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, the venue underwent major renovations between 2007 and 2009, transforming it into a modern footballing arena with a seating capacity of 30,210. The BayArena is known for its intimate atmosphere, bringing fans close to the action while offering top-tier facilities. It features premium hospitality suites, media zones, and cutting-edge training and recovery areas, providing players and coaching staff with everything needed to perform at the highest level.
Equally impressive is Bayer Leverkusen’s commitment to developing young talent through their renowned youth academy, known as the Kurtekotten. Situated just a few kilometers from the BayArena, Kurtekotten is a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture the next generation of footballing stars. The academy’s philosophy revolves around technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and mental strength, offering a comprehensive development program from the U12 level up to the U19s. With multiple training pitches, indoor arenas, fitness centers, and educational classrooms, young players receive not only elite football instruction but also academic support, ensuring they grow as individuals on and off the field.
Over the years, Kurtekotten has produced a steady stream of talent that has gone on to make significant contributions to both the first team and the wider footballing world. Notable graduates include Kai Havertz, who rose through the ranks to become one of Europe’s most sought-after attacking midfielders, and Lars and Sven Bender, who exemplified leadership and dedication throughout their careers. The academy’s success is also reflected in its scouting network, which extends beyond Germany to identify promising youngsters from across Europe and South America.
The club’s approach to player development also extends to the senior team, where advanced sports science and analytics play a key role. Training sessions are meticulously planned, using GPS tracking, video analysis, and biomechanical assessments to optimize player performance and reduce injury risks. The medical and physiotherapy teams work closely with coaches to manage workloads, ensuring that players remain fit and fresh throughout the demanding domestic and European campaigns.
Team Achievements
Bayer Leverkusen has enjoyed significant success in both domestic and international football, establishing itself as one of Germany’s most consistent and competitive clubs. The team’s most notable achievement came in 1988 when they won the UEFA Cup, now known as the UEFA Europa League. This triumph marked Leverkusen’s first major European title, with the club defeating Espanyol in a dramatic two-legged final, overcoming a 3–0 first-leg deficit to win on penalties.
In domestic competitions, Bayer Leverkusen claimed their first major German trophy in 1993 by winning the DFB-Pokal. They defeated Hertha BSC Amateure 1–0 in the final, securing the club’s place among the top teams in German football. Leverkusen has also been a regular contender in the Bundesliga, finishing as runners-up on five occasions (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2011), demonstrating remarkable consistency at the top level of German football.
Internationally, the club came close to winning the UEFA Champions League in 2002, reaching the final against Real Madrid. Despite a valiant effort, Bayer Leverkusen lost 2–1, with Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley proving decisive. The same season, the club also finished second in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, earning the unfortunate nickname “Neverkusen” due to their near-misses in all three competitions.
Rivalries and Key Matches
Bayer Leverkusen’s most significant rivalry is with 1. FC Köln, known as the Rhein derby. The proximity of the two clubs, with Leverkusen located just a short distance from Cologne, has fueled a passionate and longstanding competition. Matches between these two sides are fiercely contested, drawing large crowds and intense atmospheres.
Another important rivalry for Bayer Leverkusen is with Borussia Mönchengladbach, another Bundesliga club from the Rhineland. While not as intense as the rivalry with Köln, matches against Mönchengladbach have often been crucial in the battle for European qualification places.
In terms of key matches, Bayer Leverkusen’s most famous European night came in 1988, when they won the UEFA Cup. The final against Espanyol was a two-legged affair, with Leverkusen losing the first leg 3–0 in Barcelona. In a stunning comeback, they won the return leg 3–0 at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, forcing a penalty shootout, which Leverkusen won 3–2 to claim their first major European trophy.
Fanbase, Community, and Club Anthems
Bayer Leverkusen’s fanbase is a unique and passionate group that stands out in German football. Despite often being labeled as a “factory club” due to its roots with pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG, Leverkusen has cultivated a strong and loyal following over the years. The club’s supporters are known for their dedication and vocal backing, creating an electric atmosphere at the BayArena, especially during crucial Bundesliga and European matches.
One of the most cherished traditions at Bayer Leverkusen is the singing of the club anthem, “Leverkusen, wir stehen zu dir” (“Leverkusen, we stand by you”). This anthem, played before every home match, is more than just a song—it’s an expression of loyalty, unity, and pride.
Present and Future
As of the 2024–2025 season, Bayer Leverkusen has firmly established itself as one of the top clubs in German football. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, the team has enjoyed a revival, with impressive results in both domestic and European competitions. The current squad is a mixture of experienced players and youthful talents, creating a balanced and dynamic approach to their football.
Looking ahead, Bayer Leverkusen is poised for continued growth, both on and off the field. The club’s infrastructure is continually improving, with the BayArena being renovated to enhance the fan experience and accommodate a larger capacity. The club’s emphasis on developing its youth academy will play a crucial role in their long-term strategy, as they look to produce more homegrown talent and integrate them into the first team.
The future of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga will likely see the club continuing its pursuit of a first-ever league title. Although Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund remain dominant forces in German football, Leverkusen has the squad depth and tactical leadership to challenge these giants in the coming years.
In terms of European aspirations, Leverkusen will continue to aim for deeper runs in the Champions League and Europa League. The club's rise in European competition reflects their growing stature in the international football scene.
Bayer Leverkusen stands at a promising crossroads, with a talented squad, a visionary manager, and an ever-growing reputation on the European stage. If they continue to build on their current successes, invest wisely in player development, and keep striving for excellence, Leverkusen could soon achieve its ultimate goal of winning the Bundesliga and challenging for major European titles.
This detailed rewrite captures Bayer Leverkusen’s journey, achievements, and future prospects, offering a comprehensive look at the club’s inspiring legacy and ambitions.
