
World Prematurity Day on 17 November highlights premature births and their consequences all over the world. "For many years, we have had a partnership with the Klinikum Leverkusen and we want to show our solidarity with the doctors, nurses and parents of the premature babies born at the clinic," said Meinolf Sprink, director of fans/community at Bayer 04.
Even though the chances of survival are good these days due to medical advances, many families continue to be confronted by the challenge of premature birth: Every year in Germany, over 60,000 children are born too early. That means every tenth child is born from the 37th week of pregnancy. These numbers ensure that children born prematurely are the largest patient group amongst children in Germany.
The idea of lighting up buildings across the world (Purple for Preemies) originally came from the American organisation March of Dimes and has grown increasingly popular. In addition to the BayArena in Germany, the castle in Heidelberg and the tower block at the Charité hospital in Berlin are also illuminated in purple.
The Klinikum Leverkusen is the main centre caring for premature births for the hospitals in the city and the surrounding Bergisches Land and with 1,600 births per year is amongst the most experienced maternity hospitals in the region. Last year, a total of 345 premature births were treated at the Klinikum Leverkusen.

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
Show more
The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
Show more
The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
Show more