Foto: SV 98 27.05.2026 / English
5-1 in the last home game: U21 secures survival in the league
„I’m proud of you,“ were the words of U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt to the team after they secured their place in the Hessenliga. On Saturday (May 23rd), SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team had the chance to stay in the league against Turabdin Babylon Pohlheim – and they seized it impressively! The young Lilies delivered a convincing 5-1 goal fest, but at the same time still needed help from other teams to guarantee their survival. However, because their direct rivals, CSC 03 Kassel, narrowly lost in Stadtallendorf, the U21 team was finally able to celebrate.
Kadrijaj hat trick and three goals within eight minutes
Five goals, six celebrations. Looking at the league table, the young Lilies went into the match as underdogs, but Darmstadt’s positive run of form proved decisive. The young Lilies carried this energy into the game. Smail Kadrijaj, in particular, was on fire: he gave the U21s the lead in the 16th minute, and the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
The young Lilies came out of the locker room with even more fire. In the 51st minute, Kadrijaj was awarded a penalty, but he missed. However, he kept his composure and converted the rebound to make it 2-0. In the 56th minute, Kadrijaj completed his hat trick, making it 3-0. In the 59th minute, Kelvin Kunstmann added his name to the scoresheet with a long-range shot, making it 4-0.
The young Lilies came out of the locker room with even more fire. „I’m very happy for Smail; he had to take on a new role this season and has grown into it brilliantly,“ Schmitt said, delighted with his hat trick scorer. After his hat trick, Kadrijaj sits in second place in the Hessenliga scoring race with 25 goals this season, one goal behind Mirco Geisler (26, FC Gießen).
Staying in the league? Staying in the league!
Luis Klappich (84th minute) sealed the victory for Darmstadt with his goal to make it 5-0, but Pohlheim (87th minute) managed a consolation goal. The final score was 5-1, securing their place in the league, a fact the SV 98 U21 players weren’t immediately aware of. Only after the match did the coach reveal the result of the Kassel game in a huddle with the team, sparking jubilation and pure joy.
„I congratulate the team from the bottom of my heart: not only on staying in the league, but also on their development over the past few months – both individually and as a team on the pitch. And that applies to every single player!“ Schmitt exclaimed with immense pride. This progress had been evident not only during the 90 minutes of competitive matches in the Hessenliga, but also in training. „Now we can delve into much greater detail,“ Schmitt added. The U21 coach also considers the work of the entire staff to be very important, „who have prepared the boys very well week after week.“
I'm proud of you!
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 Last match day in Eddersheim
The young Lilies will play their final Hessenliga match of the season on Saturday (May 30th/3pm) away at FC Eddersheim. Despite having already secured their place in the league, no drop in intensity is expected when they visit the confirmed runners-up. „The lads want to keep going,“ says Schmitt. „It’s a shame the season is almost over. We’d love to continue the way things are going. That’s why we want to go into the summer break with five wins from our last five games,“ the U21 coach declared.
Line-Up: Börner – Kunstmann, Karakayar, Maier (Schnerring, 69′), Schlosser (Klappich, 70′), Kadrijaj, Ballmert (Keranovic, 85′), Merx, Herbst, Arnold (Steineck, 77′), Pfister (Görtler, 80′).
Football ID Championship in Darmstadt | Members‘ Network Meeting
The German Football Championship for People with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) kicks off on Sunday – and it's taking place in Darmstadt's Bürgerpark! Last week, the Darmstadt 98ers' home ground offered a different kind of sporting event: a karate demonstration. We also take a look at the opponents for the new season and celebrate two birthdays this week. You'll find all this and much more about Darmstadt 98 in our usual "Lilies Across the Board".
Volunteer Award 2026: Haftpflichtkasse and SV 98 honour clubs
For the fourth time, the Haftpflichtkasse insurance company and SV Darmstadt 98 have jointly awarded four clubs with the Volunteer Award. The award ceremony, including the presentation of the checks, took place last Sunday (May 17th) before the home game against SC Paderborn at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The Volunteer Award, established in 2023 by the Haftpflichtkasse and SV Darmstadt 98, aims to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote outstanding projects.
Dates for the Darmstadt Running Club 2026
Whether jogging, walking or Nordic walking: everyone is welcome at the Darmstadt running club. Since 1974, the initiative has been getting people moving and offers suitable options for both beginners and advanced runners.
Professional contracts for Herbst and Merx
SV 98 have signed Milian Herbst and Manolo Merx to professional contracts. The two young players will therefore be part of the Lilies' professional squad next season.
Will and Co.: How the second half of the season went for the Lilies‘ loaned players
Between staying in the league, fighting relegation, and the end of the season, the second half of the season was a busy one for SV Darmstadt 98's loaned players. While Paul Will is still battling to avoid relegation with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Leon Klassen (Grazer AK), Meldin Dreskovic (Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC), Fabio Torsiello (Alemannia Aachen), and Othmane El Idrissi (Viktoria Aschaffenburg) have already finished their seasons. We take a look at the past few weeks for the Lilies' loaned players.
Long break for Papela
Merveille Papela suffered a meniscus injury during Darmstadt 98's away match in Karlsruhe (May 3rd). This was confirmed by examinations over the past few weeks. The 25-year-old has already undergone successful surgery. Papela will therefore be unavailable to SV Darmstadt 98 for the next few months.
Three-quarters majority
The 2025/26 season for SV Darmstadt 98 came to an end with their home match against SC Paderborn. Looking at the final standings, points total, and many memorable moments, it’s a season that still deserves the label „remarkably good.“ From a broader perspective, the overall assessment of the year is overwhelmingly positive. However, the final weeks of the season, which proved quite challenging, are also part of the overall evaluation. We’ll take another look back at those weeks in our season analysis.
May 22nd: Club anniversary at Schlossgartenplatz
SV Darmstadt 98, founded in 1898, will celebrate its 128th anniversary this coming Friday (May 22nd). To mark this milestone, SV 98 invites all Lilies fans to the Schlossgartenplatz in Darmstadt from 5pm to 10pm. Club members will even receive free drinks – while supplies last.
3060 minutes played | Club birthday with you
After 34 matchdays, the season came to an end last Sunday. Marcel Schuhen finally got a break, having played every single minute of the entire campaign. But unlike the professionals, the young Lilies can't rest just yet. There's still plenty to do for the reserve team. And there's also a lot going on off the pitch. We'll keep you updated here in "Lilies Across the Board" with all the latest news.
Goal fest in Hanau: U21 wins 5-1
More crucial points. Away at 1. Hanauer FC, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team delivered a convincing five-goal performance in their fight to avoid relegation. With this victory, the young Lilies have amassed twelve points from their last five matches. With two matchdays remaining, direct relegation is no longer a possibility, and the U21s hold a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, Darmstadt need more points to further distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot.
„I feel a tremendous amount of appreciation.“
Despite a valiant effort and several chances, SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to SC Paderborn. The Lilies still finish the season in fifth place. However, the main focus of the match for Darmstadt was the farewell to club legend Fabian Holland. What did the coaches and players have to say about this afternoon's game? We've compiled their reactions.
