Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer 04, honoured Nowotny by the side of the pitch shortly before kick-off in the first 2024/25 Bundesliga encounter at the BayArena and handed an honorary captain's pennant to the likeable ex-defender.
Nowotny, who played under the Cross from 1996 to 2006, spoke of his new role as honorary captain at the end of the last double season as news that "makes me very proud. My time at Bayer 04 Leverkusen was very formative for me, it was the most successful period of my life as a professional." The 50-year-old continued: "Back then, we were able to establish the club at the top of German football and also on the European football map. I'm particularly pleased that the honour coincides with the club's greatest success, winning the 2024 Bundesliga title."
As assistant coach of the German U17 side, Nowotny became a world champion in Indonesia in December 2023. The 48-year-old still demonstrates his close association with the Werkself today with regular outings for the Bayer 04 legends team.
Bayer 04's honorary captains are: Rüdiger Vollborn, Bernd Schneider, Ulf Kirsten, Carsten Ramelow, Simon Rolfes, Stefan Kießling, Lars Bender, Jens Nowotny (since August 2024).
Just twelve days after the head-to-head in the league, the Bayer 04 Women again entertain Turbine Potsdam at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. In contrast to the 3-0 win on Bundesliga Matchday 9, this time it is not about picking up three points. On Friday, 22 November (kick-off: 18.00 CET) it is all about going through to the quarter-finals in the DFB Pokal. Werkself TV will broadcast the match live and exclusively via a free stream.
Show more
After a good start to the season, FC Heidenheim have recently struggled in the league. Even though results have been disappointing: There is never a lack of commitment, passion and desire in the team coached by Frank Schmidt. FCH could prove to be tricky opponents for the Werkself at the BayArena on Saturday, 23 November (kick-off: 15.30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The brand-new Bayer 04 Fanzone in the South Stand at the BayArena has opened for all Werkself fans. The official launch of the 700 square metre plus state-of-the-art interactive shopping and world of experience on Wednesday afternoon followed an exclusive event the night before. The symbolic starting shot was made by special honoured guests before several hundred fans were able to gain their first impressions of the numerous products and interactive facilities – and the response has been very positive.
Show more
Twelve Werkself players have been selected for their national teams in the final international break of the year, with the Leverkusen's international players competing in the final group matches in the UEFA Nations League, in qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. We round up all the results involving Bayer 04 players here.
Show more
Five players in the Bayer 04 Women squad have been selected for the Germany U23s for two international fixtures. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday afternoon.
Show more