Boston, MA – July 11, 2025 – New Balance has today revealed the inaugural Bayer 04 Leverkusen Away Kit for the 2025/26 season — a design that captures the striking contrasts and unique energy of the club’s hometown.
The bold new kit features a crimson to angora gradient, blending powerful industrial tones with refined natural elements. The colour transition is inspired by two central pillars of Leverkusen’s identity — the city’s historical Bayer plant and the vivid atmosphere created by its loyal and passionate supporters. Subtle floral shadow graphics nod to the city’s celebrated Japanese Garden, one of the largest and oldest in Europe and one of Leverkusen's major landmarks.
Angora shorts and socks complete the kit’s minimal and modern aesthetic, for a confident silhouette on and off the pitch.
“We designed this kit to express the essence of Leverkusen — a city defined by contrast and character. The gradient visual speaks to both the raw intensity of the factory skyline and the quiet beauty of its gardens. It’s a kit that reflects the diverse heartbeat of the club’s home,” says Kenny McCallum, Senior Director New Balance Football Product.
The 2025/26 Away shirt is engineered with NB Dry performance technology, featuring advanced moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable mesh panelling for elite-level comfort, fit and function. The jersey is finished with tonal detailing like the club crest and New Balance logo.
The launch follows New Balance’s announcement in February of a multi-year sponsorship with Bayer 04 Leverkusen — marking the brand’s entry into top-tier German football. The reimagined Away Kit design represents this exciting new chapter with one of Europe’s most ambitious clubs.
“In collaborating with New Balance, we wanted to ensure to capture the local heart of the city in the design direction of the new away shirt. Whilst brave and vibrant, it stems from the local inspiration of the city and its colors,” says Markus Breglec, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
The New Balance Bayer 04 Leverkusen Away Kit will be available to purchase on July 11th at 10:00am CEST from www.newbalance.com and at select Bayer 04 stores and retailers.
About New Balance Football
New Balance Football takes an original approach to designing and developing product, focusing on the unique needs of the player and the game. This is reflected in the quality of the sponsorships it has secured, including an enviable lineup of some of the world’s great football clubs including FC Porto, LOSC Lille, Atalanta BC, and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, as well as a roster of topflight players who excel at the highest level of the game. For more information about New Balance Football, visit www.newbalance.com/football. New Balance Football can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. New Balance employs 10,000 associates around the globe, and in 2024 reported worldwide sales of $7.8 billion. New Balance owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance MADE U.S. footwear contains a domestic value of 70% or more and makes up a limited portion of New Balance’s U.S. sales. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com; for the latest press information visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.
About Bayer 04 Leverkusen
The UEFA Cup, today known as UEFA Europa League, was won in 1988 and the DFB Cup in 1993. In 2024, Bayer 04 won the national double of the German championship and DFB Cup, the German Supercup followed three months later. The Werkself has been a guest on the European soccer stage for decades. Reaching the Champions League final in 2002 and the Europa League final in 2024 were the club's greatest international successes after the UEFA Cup win 36 years before.
Media Contacts
UK: nick.richardson@ketchum.com
USA: Mary.Lawton@newbalance.com
GERMANY: dirk.mesch@bayer04.de