Bayer 04 representatives at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris were Fernando Carro, CEO, and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes.
Carro: "It's exceptional recognition for the club to be nominated in three categories of the Ballon d'Or. We are very proud of what we've achieved and are happy that Bayer 04 Leverkusen was able to be an important part of this significant event tonight.”
Rolfes: "The historic season in 2023/24 once again provides a big stage for Bayer 04 at the award of this year's Ballon d'Or. Our players Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Alejandro Grimaldo, our coach Xabi Alonso and also the whole performance over the season of Bayer 04 Leverkusen are recognised by the nominations. That makes us proud and gives us a boost."
Bayer 04 were nominated in the Men's Club of the Year category alongside Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Real Madrid won the award.
Head coach Xabi Alonso was in the Men's Team Coach category that was awarded the first time this year. Also nominated were Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) and Luis de la Fuente (Spain). Carlo Ancelotti won the category.
Alejandro Grimaldo (28th place), Granit Xhaka (16th place) and Florian Wirtz (12th place) were the three members of the Werkself squad nominated among the 30 players in the Men's Ballon d'Or category. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was the winner on the night.
About the Ballon d’Or:
The Ballon d'Or (in English: ‘Golden ball’“) has been presented by the French football journal France Football since 1956 to the best football players for the individual calendar year. Since 2022, the Ballon d'Or has not only been presented by France Football but also by the European governing body UEFA. Originally designed only for European players from European clubs, the award was opened up to all players in Europe from 1995. Since then the winner has also been named European Footballer of the Year.
The Werkself host Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 second leg in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 in front of a full house at the BayArena (first leg 0-3). Today's match on Tuesday, 11 March, kicks off at 21:00 CET and is broadcast live on Prime Video as well as on Werkself Radio. Matchday news brings you the latest news on the game.
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Bayer 04 are away to Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 DFB Pokal. The cup tie is at the SchücoArena on Tuesday, 1 April (kick-off: 20:45 CEST). Read on for information on ticket sales.
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The Werkself host Bayern Munich at the BayArena in the second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16 tomorrow, Tuesday 11 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET and live on Prime Video). Ahead of the all-German clash, head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Jonathan Tah talked about belief in going through and recall previous miracles.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without Florian Wirtz. The Germany international suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the home game against Werder Bremen (0-2) on Saturday. That was the diagnosis from an MRI scan following the game. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks.
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With the 3-0 win last Wednesday night, Bayern Munich are in a good position for the second leg against Bayer 04 in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, 11 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET). But the record champions failed to win at the weekend.
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