From near-misses to historic triumphs, Bayer Leverkusen’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in German and European football.
Introduction
Bayer 04 Leverkusen, officially known as Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH, is one of Germany’s most dynamic and captivating football clubs. Based in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, the club competes in the Bundesliga, Germany’s top 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 sporting drama.
Founded on 1 July 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 a department within TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen and RTHC Bayer Leverkusen, multi-sport clubs with a rich tradition in athletics, gymnastics, basketball, handball, rowing, tennis, and hockey. In 1999, the football department became an independent entity, setting the stage for a more focused pursuit of footballing excellence.
The club’s colours, black and red, are more than just a design—they embody the passion and tenacity that have defined Leverkusen’s footballing ethos. Over the years, the club has developed fierce rivalries with regional adversaries like 1. FC Köln, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Fortuna Düsseldorf, adding extra intensity to every season.
Bayer Leverkusen’s rise to the Bundesliga came in 1979, marking the beginning of a remarkable era. The club captured its first major international honour in 1988, winning the UEFA Cup, and claimed its maiden domestic trophy, the DFB Pokal, in 1993. Despite consistently strong performances, Leverkusen endured decades of near misses, finishing runners-up across multiple competitions, most famously in 2002 when they were heartbreakingly second-best in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and UEFA Champions League.
But persistence has its rewards. 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 the manner in which they achieved it—an unbeaten league and domestic double, setting a European record for 51 consecutive unbeaten competitive games. This unprecedented feat not only solidified their status as German footballing giants but also 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 honouring 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 27 November 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 1 July 1904, Turn- und Spielverein Bayer 04 Leverkusen was founded as a works team. On 31 May 1907, a separate football department emerged within the club. However, cultural divides between gymnasts and other athletes led to a split, and on 8 June 1928, the footballers formed Sportvereinigung Bayer 04 Leverkusen, adopting red and black as their traditional colours, while the gymnasts continued as TuS Bayer 04 Leverkusen in blue and yellow.
Throughout the 1930s, SV Bayer 04 Leverkusen played third and fourth division football, 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 colours.
The club’s first major honour 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 9 May 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 17 August 2024, defeating VfB Stuttgart after penalties. However, their domestic unbeaten streak ended on 31 August 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 vital component of the club’s success, reflecting a blend of 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, most notably 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. The stadium’s iconic curved roof, designed to protect spectators from the elements, adds to its distinctive appearance, making it a favourite among both home and visiting fans. The adjacent Leverkusen club headquarters ensures seamless day-to-day operations, housing administrative offices, press rooms, and tactical meeting spaces that support both the sporting and business sides of the club.
Equally impressive is Bayer Leverkusen’s commitment to developing young talent through their renowned youth academy, known as the Kurtekotten. Situated just a few kilometres 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 programme from the U12 level up to the U19s. With multiple training pitches, indoor arenas, fitness centres, 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. The club places strong emphasis on character building, teamwork, and responsibility, reflecting Bayer Leverkusen’s belief in shaping well-rounded athletes.
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. By integrating homegrown talent with smart acquisitions, Bayer Leverkusen has managed to maintain a competitive edge in the Bundesliga while fostering a strong sense of identity and continuity within the squad.
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 optimise 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. This attention to detail and innovation in player welfare has not only enhanced individual careers but also contributed to the team’s overall consistency and success.
Bayer Leverkusen’s infrastructure and player development model stand as testament to the club’s long-term vision. By combining top-class facilities, a thriving academy, and forward-thinking coaching methods, the club has built a sustainable pathway to success — one that honours its history while embracing the demands of modern football.
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.
Despite these heartbreaks, Bayer Leverkusen’s ability to remain competitive in both domestic and European tournaments reflects the club’s strength and resilience. Their consistent presence in European competitions, including regular appearances in the Champions League and Europa League, underlines their status as one of Germany’s most respected and formidable football clubs.
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. The rivalry dates back decades, with both clubs vying for regional supremacy in North Rhine-Westphalia. These encounters have often had a major impact on league standings and local bragging rights, with dramatic goals, red cards, and emotional celebrations characterizing many of their clashes.
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. Over the years, these matches have delivered thrilling moments, including high-scoring draws and last-minute winners that have shaped the club’s domestic campaigns.
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.
Another unforgettable match in the club’s history was the 2002 UEFA Champions League final against Real Madrid at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Despite losing 2–1, the match is remembered for Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive performance and Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volleyed goal, which decided the game. The 2001–02 season was remarkable for Leverkusen, as they also finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, missing out on a historic treble by the narrowest of margins.
Domestically, Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal triumph in 1993 stands as a major highlight, with the club defeating Hertha BSC Amateure 1–0 in the final to win their first German cup title. This victory solidified their place among Germany’s footballing elite and remains a cherished moment for their supporters.
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. While the club may not have the same massive global reach as Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, its fan culture is marked by authenticity, resilience, and a deep connection to the city of Leverkusen.
A defining trait of Bayer Leverkusen’s fanbase is its unwavering support through the club’s highs and lows. Over the decades, Leverkusen has experienced several near-misses — finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga multiple times, losing in the finals of major tournaments, and earning the nickname “Neverkusen” for their heartbreaking finishes. Yet, rather than discouraging the fans, these disappointments have forged a collective spirit of determination and hope. The supporters take pride in their team’s consistency in competing at the top level, their commitment to attacking football, and their ability to develop young talent, all of which have become hallmarks of the club’s identity.
The community around Bayer Leverkusen is deeply intertwined with the industrial history of the city. Founded in 1904 by Bayer AG employees, the club’s roots are inseparable from Leverkusen’s working-class culture.
