Foto: eibner Pressefotos 29.05.2026 / English
Contract Extended: Nürnberger stays in Darmstadt
SV 98 can continue to rely on the services of Fabian Nürnberger. The Lilies have extended the expiring contract with the Bulgarian international.
Paul Fernie: „We have always emphasised that we would very much like to extend Fabi’s contract. Accordingly, we are delighted that our open and positive discussions have now resulted in this positive outcome. Fabi is not only a key player on the pitch, but as a member of the team council, he is also a very important figure for the team’s internal dynamics. His contract extension is a very positive sign for the upcoming season.“
Fabian Nürnberger: „It’s certainly understandable that a player with an expiring contract would consider his future. However, it was always clear to me that Darmstadt was my first point of contact in this matter. The club signaled to me early on that I play an important role in their plans, and at the same time, I feel extremely highly valued here. The whole package at Darmstadt 98 is very special. I’m happy to remain part of the Lilies family.“
Nürnberger signed with Darmstadt in the summer of 2023 after his contract with 1. FC Nürnberg expired. Since then, the 26-year-old has made a total of 74 competitive appearances for SV 98. Last season, the left-footed player featured in 20 second-division matches, and Nürnberger also played one game in the DFB Cup.
In September 2024, he made his debut for the Bulgarian national team, and the son of a Bulgarian mother has a total of ten caps to date.
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Tom Sauels 
Foto: SV 98 
Transfer News: Purchase Option Activated, Dettoni remains at the Lilies.
Grayson Dettoni will continue to wear the SV 98 jersey. The Lilies have exercised their option to buy the defender, who was previously on loan from FC Bayern Munich.
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".
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.
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.