Two hundred guests gathered at the BayArena on Thursday for a memorial service honoring Peter Hermann. Hermann died on September 19, 2026, at the age of 74 following a battle with ALS. The memorial served as a wide-ranging gathering for the Bundesliga, drawing prominent executives, current managers, and former players from across German clubs.
BayArena Memorial Draws Bundesliga Leadership and Former Players
The attendance at the BayArena highlighted the widespread standing Hermann held throughout his decades in professional football. Bayern Munich Chief Executive Jan-Christian Dreesen flew in from Munich for the service, while former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic traveled from Bilbao. Borussia Dortmund was further represented by club chief Carsten Cramer, advisor Matthias Sammer, and coaches Niko and Robert Kovac. Longtime companions, coaching peers, and former players—including Dragoslav Stepanovic, Hermann Gerland, Hannes Wolf, Friedhelm Funkel, Reiner Calmund, Reinhard Saftig, and runner-up Klaus Fischer—also filled the room.
Rudi Völler and Simon Rolfes Pay Tribute to a Career-Shaping Mentor
DFB Sport Director Rudi Völler praised his late colleague as a singular figure. “Who is all here shows the appreciation Peter has deserved. That is sensational. He really was a special human being. I am moved by how many players have come, who have all learned from our Peter,” Völler said.
Simon Rolfes, currently the sporting boss at Bayer Leverkusen and one of the many players shaped by Hermann, reflected on their shared history. “Peter and I quickly had a commonality, because we both came from Aachen to Bayer 04. I only learned later that he had watched me from the grandstand. With Peter, every player had the profound feeling from day one: He really wants to make you better. He trained because he loved football. Peter pushed careers forward—we players have an infinite amount to thank you for,” Rolfes stated.
Family Reflections and Final Months at the BayArena
Hermann’s daughters, Rebecca and Sarah, delivered remarks that touched those in attendance, thanking Bayer Leverkusen for the continuous support provided during their father’s illness. “Here our father could simply be Peter again despite his severe illness,” they said. During the final phase of his life, Hermann attended home matches at the BayArena in a wheelchair from the grandstand. His final visit to the stadium came on September 5, 2026, during a 4-0 victory over Union Berlin, two weeks before his passing.
Leverkusen club chief Fernando Carro voiced the sentiment of the organization following the service. “It hurts to say goodbye to Peter Hermann, to a man who will stay in our hearts and memories,” Carro said.
Saving the Werkself from Relegation in 1996
During his remarks, Völler recounted Hermann’s rescue mission in 1996, when he stepped in as interim coach to steer Bayer Leverkusen clear of relegation. “It is to his great credit. We lay on the ground as a team. Peter did it outstandingly. But with his modesty, he didn’t want to be celebrated for the class retention at the end, but rather preferred to stay in the background,” Völler noted.
Following the memorial service at the BayArena, Peter Hermann was interred in the closest family circle.
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