Foto: DFL/Thomas Langer/Getty Images 21.04.2026 / English
Fabian Holland: Lilies era ends after the season
The end of an era. Fabian Holland's twelfth season in the Lilies' jersey will be his last with SV 98. The 35-year-old's contract, which expires at the end of the season, will not be renewed. The club informed Holland of this decision in a confidential meeting. Both club and player agree to focus entirely on achieving the best possible end to the season until the final match and that any plans for a farewell celebration will depend on how the rest of the season unfolds.
Paul Fernie: “Fabian Holland is leaving SV 98 as a club legend. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of knowing him as an incredible team player with a fantastic character. I have the utmost respect for what Fabi has achieved for the Lilies in his twelve years with us and how he managed to fight his way back after his serious injury this season. I take my hat off to the footballer, but even more so to Fabian Holland the person.”
Markus Pfitzner: “I had the privilege of experiencing Fabian Holland’s entire era at SV 98. Fabi always led by example with his performance and an indomitable will, becoming one of the most successful Lilies players of all time. Fabi will receive the send-off he deserves after more than a decade with us. And it goes without saying that our doors will always be open to him.”
The Lilies have become my home and SV 98 will always have a place in my heart.
Fabian Holland: “The thought that the coming weeks will be my last at SV 98 is, of course, not easy for me. But at the same time, I look back with a broad smile on the past twelve years and all the unforgettable moments with this club. The Lilies have become my home, and SV 98 will always hold a place in my heart. It was important to me to inform all the Lilies fans and those around me about my decision regarding my future at this time, but this season isn’t over yet. There are still at least four games left in which we can still achieve something. Despite all the emotions, that’s where my complete focus is now. After that, there will be plenty of time for a big goodbye and a heartfelt farewell.”
Holland joined Darmstadt on loan from Hertha BSC in 2014/15, and has been a permanent member of the Lilies since 2015. The left-footed player has made 316 competitive appearances for SV 98 to date, placing him fourth among the players with the most appearances in the club’s history. During his time in southern Hesse, Holland has celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga twice and secured Darmstadt’s survival in the top flight in 2016. From January 2019 to July 2025, the Berlin native also captained the Lilies.
12 Jahre mit der Lilie auf der Brust
Foto: DFL/Thomas Langer/Getty Images 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: DFL/Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images 
Foto: DFL/Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: DFL/Simon Hofmann/Getty Images 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: Jana Delp 
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
Still undefeated
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
“I’d be up for it”
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
