Club Centenary Celebrations 2004

Lore & Background

By 2004, the club had weathered significant changes, including promotion to the top flight in 1978 and the near-miss glory of the 'Fast die Meister' season in 2002. The centenary celebrations were not just about looking back at the founding members but acknowledging a new generation of players like Lukas Podolski who were carrying the torch forward.

In Their Own Story

The BayArena lights hummed over the pitch on a warm August evening in 2004. Fans draped red and black scarves around their necks, eyes fixed not just on the game but on the banners hanging from the stands marking one hundred years of history. A veteran supporter tapped his chest, feeling the weight of decades of loyalty, knowing this moment was for every worker who ever wore the badge before him.

Reader's Guide

The club’s journey began in August 1904, founded by employees of Bayer AG as a works team. For decades, the Werkself played in lower regional leagues, building a reputation for community spirit and resilience rather than silverware. The pivotal shift occurred with promotion to the Bundesliga in 1978, transforming Leverkusen into a top-flight professional entity under the red and black banner. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, tactical evolution established them as European contenders. The infamous 'Fast die Meister' season of 2002 defined an era of near-glory that set high expectations for the centenary year. Under Rudi Völler, the club aimed to convert historical prestige into tangible success.

Did You Know?

• The nickname 'Werkself' translates to 'Works Team', reflecting its founding by Bayer AG employees.
• The centenary season coincided with Rudi Völler's tenure as head coach.
• Leverkusen is one of the few major German clubs founded by a corporation rather than a local community.