Bayer 04 Leverkusen, also known as the "Werkself," was founded on July 1, 1904 by employees of the German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG. The team's formation can be traced back to Friedrich Wilhelm Carl Müller, an enthusiastic sportsman who organized a group of his colleagues to establish a new sporting society under the patronage of their employer. Here is an official link that provides more information about the club's history.
In its early years, Bayer Leverkusen focused primarily on athletics and gymnastics before expanding into other sports including soccer in 1912. However, it took several decades for soccer to become the dominant sport within the club. Until World War II, Bayer Leverkusen had little success on-field with minor achievements in local leagues and regional competitions.
After World War II in 1946, Bayer Leverkusen merged with another local team called TuS 1888 Wiesdorf which resulted in significant improvements on field performances due to better resources and players at their disposal (source). They eventually reached professional football status when they were promoted to Oberliga Nordrhein (II) – then Germany’s second division – during the mid-1950s.
Some notable early players include:
- Heinz-Jürgen Blome
- Peter Kunter
- Horst Trimhold