Foto: SV 98 16.07.2025 / English
Akiyama joins the Lilies on loan
SV 98 has strengthened its midfield: Hiroki Akiyama joins the Southern Hesse club on loan from Japanese first division club Albirex Niigata. The Lilies have also secured a purchase option. The 24-year-old has already travelled to the training camp in Bad Wörishofen.
Paul Fernie: „In Hiroki Akiyama, we’re gaining an absolute strategist for the centre of defence. His ball control and precision, his precise passing even under pressure, and his vision make him a suitable link player. With his skills, he has the potential to become an interesting piece of our team’s puzzle next season. The fact that he can at least participate in parts of the training camp will also make his integration into the team easier.“
Hiroki Akiyama: „I’m happy to be playing in Germany starting now. I would like to thank everyone involved in the move and who made it possible. I’ve been reading a lot about Darmstadt 98 recently and am looking forward to joining a club with a rich tradition and great fans. My goal is to help the team as best I can to have a successful season.“
Akiyama has played for Albirex Niigata since 2019. He became a fixture there, especially after returning from his loan spell at Kagoshima United in January 2022. After making 20 league appearances in the 2022 season (in Japan, the league runs from February to December), he made 26 appearances in Japan’s top flight in 2023. Last season, Akiyama played in all 36 league matches, captaining his team in 18 of them. In the current season, he has played 15 matches in the J1 League. Akiyama has played a total of 141 times for Albirex Niigata.
From now on, he will wear the jersey of the Lilies and wear the number 16.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Regeneration
For the second year in a row, the "Lilies" are holding their summer training camp in Bad Wörishofen in the Allgäu region. SV 98 will be hard at work in this Kneipp spa town until July 26th, preparing for the upcoming season. In our diary, we’ll take you along through the days at the training camp.
‚Integrate everyone as quickly as possible‘ | Portsmouth is coming to Bölle
A training camp, a friendly match, and a blue-and-white presence in the Odenwald: there is plenty going on around SV 98 this week. The "Lilies" are continuing their intensive preparations for the new season in Bad Wörishofen until Sunday (July 26th), while also bonding as a team off the pitch. Saturday (July 25th) brings the next pre-season test: a match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Additionally, SV 98 will once again be represented at the Erbach Wiesenmarkt’s Family Day on Thursday (July 23rd). "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news from life at the club.
SV 98 and Klöber enter into a premium partnership.
Taking the next step together: SV Darmstadt 98 and Klöber Versicherungsmakler GmbH are further expanding their partnership. The Darmstadt-based company, which has served as a "Top Partner" to the Lilien for the past two years, will now act as a "Premium Partner" of SV 98.
Starting Friday: Member pre-sale for Jena
It’s cup time again! In the first round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal season, the Lilies will face FC Carl Zeiss Jena in the "City of Light" on Sunday, August 23, at 3:30pm. Here’s how you can be there for the away match: the pre-sale for members begins this coming Friday, July 24, at 12pm —available both online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion. You can find all further details in this announcement.
98ers Box for Lilies fans: Exclusive offer against Portsmouth
A special experience awaits Darmstadt 98 fans: One week before the start of the season, SV Darmstadt 98 will host the traditional English club Portsmouth FC, and this year, once again, you have a very special opportunity. You can experience the match on Saturday (August 1st/2pm) from the exclusive 98ers' box on the upper level of the main stand at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor and enjoy an unforgettable home game with international guests and a fantastic atmosphere.
Sparkasse Darmstadt/Dieburg expands its involvement with SV 98
SV Darmstadt 98 and Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg are further expanding their long-standing partnership. By becoming a premium partner, both parties are sending a clear message to the region: Together, they want to support young people, strengthen youth football, and offer even more opportunities for children and families in southern Hesse.
“A large part of the squad is already in place.”
During the afternoon session, Paul Fernie commented on various personnel matters. We have summarised his statements for you.
Transfer News: Lilies sign Sickinger
SV 98 will welcome a new face at their training camp in Bad Wörishofen. The Lilies have signed Carlo Sickinger from SV Elversberg.
Starting Wednesday: Member presale for Dresden
SV Darmstadt 98's first away match of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season takes them to the Saxon capital: As part of the second matchday, the Lilies will face SG Dynamo Dresden on Sunday (August 16th) at 1:30pm. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale for this match starts next Wednesday (July 22nd) at 12pm – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck Stadium. You can find all further information in this announcement.
Transfer News: Stark Strengthens U21’s
The U21 team of SV Darmstadt 98 can welcome a familiar face to their ranks for the upcoming season: Yannick Stark will play for the Lilies in the Hessenliga in the future.
Lilies win in Walldorf
SV Darmstadt 98 won their fourth pre-season friendly. The Lilies defeated regional league side FC-Astoria Walldorf 4-1 (0-0) after 120 minutes.
After the friendly match: Meet & Greet at the training camp
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.