Bayer 04 Leverkusen, known as "Die Werkself," is a prominent football club based in Leverkusen, Germany, competing in the top-flight Bundesliga. The club's home matches are played at the BayArena. Founded in 1904 by employees of the Bayer pharmaceutical company, the team's name and iconic red and black colors are directly tied to its corporate origins. Historically, Leverkusen has been a consistent force in German football, often finishing near the top of the table, which earned them the unfortunate but enduring nickname "Neverkusen" due to several near-misses in title races and cup finals in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That era featured stars like Michael Ballack, Bernd Schneider, and Lucio. In the modern era, under managers like Xabi Alonso, the team has transformed into a dominant force, playing an attractive, possession-based style and finally breaking their trophy drought by winning the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season. The club is renowned for its excellent youth academy, which has produced world-class talents. Supported by a passionate local fanbase, Bayer Leverkusen remains a model of stability and exciting football in Germany.