Foto: SV 98 21.06.2025 / English
Leon Klassen strengthens the Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98 has filled another open squad position shortly before the start of training: Left-back Leon Klassen (25) is moving from Lyngby BK to South Hesse.
Paul Fernie: „Leon Klassen is a technically and skillfully strong full-back with an exciting profile. With his intensity and willingness, he brings components that we want to embody in our game. Over the past few years – especially in the last season in Denmark’s Superliga – Leon has gradually developed, and we all believe that the move to Darmstadt 98 comes at exactly the right time.“
Leon Klassen: „When the contact was made, I didn’t have to think twice. My goal was always to return to Germany. I’m very pleased to now be able to compete in the second division with a traditional club like Darmstadt 98. I find being there from day one and being able to complete the entire preseason with the team very helpful in integrating into the team. I’ve already had the chance to meet some of the players, and they all seem very open. I’m very impressed with the conditions and my first impressions.“
Klassen trained in the youth teams of 1. FC Köln and TSV 1860 Munich, among others. He made 19 third-division appearances for the Lions in his first season in the professional squad. In the summer of 2021, Klassen joined WSG Tirol, where he attracted attention with six assists in 20 matches. In January 2022, the Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler-born player moved to Spartak Moscow, where he played for around two and a half years. Last summer, Klassen signed with Lyngby BK, where he made a total of 23 appearances. At junior level, Klassen played for the Russian national team, progressing through the U17 to U21 teams.
After first-division experience in Austria, Russia, and Denmark, Klassen is now moving to Darmstadt, where he will wear the number 3 shirt.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
“There’s a buzz before every game.”
What awaits SV Darmstadt 98 on Saturday afternoon against Arminia Bielefeld? How did the 98ers use the international break, and what are Florian Kohfeldt's thoughts on the final stretch of the season? The Lilies' head coach answered these and other questions at the press conference on Thursday before the match at the Alm (April 4th, 1pm). We've summarised the most important statements from our head coach's press conference for you.
Fan Information for the Bielefeld Game
The sun is shining on the Bielefeld Alm on Saturday afternoon (April 4th, 1pm). On matchday 28 of this second division season, DSC Arminia Bielefeld hosts SV Darmstadt 98. To ensure you have all the information you need for your trip to the SchücoArena, here's what you need to know about your visit.
Opposition Check: DSC Arminia Bielefeld
2025 was Arminia's year! After being relegated from the top German league in the 2021/22 season, Bielefeld were relegated all the way down to the third division. But their last season there belonged to Arminia: as champions of the 3. Liga in 2024/25, they were promoted to the 2. Bundesliga, and they also caused a major upset in the DFB Cup.
Numbers & Facts: The top facts about the Bielefeld game
While Bielefeld are looking to improve their record to secure safety at the end of the season, SV Darmstadt 98 are eager to finally pick up three points away from home. In Saturday's match (April 4th, 1pm) between Arminia Bielefeld and Darmstadt, the 15th-placed team hosts the fourth-placed side. You can read about the areas where the two teams are closely matched, as well as all the key facts and figures, in the Top Facts section below.
“I’m glad it’s continuing.” | Pfeiffer collects 21 minutes
Marcel Schuhen is eager to get back to Bielefeld and explained just that in a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon (April 1st). The Bölle Gang and numerous other kids were also out in force this week. With the Easter egg hunt at the Bölle stadium and the Merck-Lilien football camp at the youth academy, there was something for even the youngest Lilies to enjoy. You can read about these and other topics in "Lilies Across the Board". As usual, our weekly column features numerous articles about club life at SV Darmstadt 98.
U21: Strong performance by the young Lilies not rewarded
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team failed to secure any points away at SV Weidenhausen on Saturday (March 28th/3pm). Despite leading at halftime and putting in a strong effort, they ultimately suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Texas Lilies
After their eventful days in San Antonio, the Darmstadt delegation concludes their trip to Texas in Beaumont. And the scene that greets the team from southern Hesse initially seems like a crazy dream. Far from home and under the Texas sun, a club wears the Lily on its chest and the Darmstadt name on its back.
“A great and very intense time”
A delegation led by Darmstadt 98 president Markus Pfitzner is using the current international break in March for a trip to San Antonio to further strengthen the connection with cooperation partner San Antonio FC, gain deeper insights into the local economy, and immerse themselves in the culture and history of Darmstadt’s sister city. We will be covering their time in Texas on this page.
DFL ends match days until the end of the season
The German Football League (DFL) announced the exact times for the remaining matchdays on Friday afternoon (March 27). The home game on matchday 31 against SV Elversberg will take place on Saturday evening (April 25) at 8:30pm. This will be followed by two away games against Karlsruher SC (May 3) and Preußen Münster (May 10), both at 1:30pm. On the final matchday, Darmstadt will host SC Paderborn at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor at 3:30pm. (May 17).
Successful test against Saarbrücken
SV Darmstadt 98 won their friendly match against 1. FC Saarbrücken during the international break. Florian Kohfeldt's team triumphed 4-2 (2-1) at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor, behind closed doors.
“I will not give up” | Patric Pfeiffer nominated for Ghana for the first time
Following his injury, Luca Marseiler posted an emotional message on Instagram, while Patric Pfeiffer has been called up to the Ghanaian national team for the first time. You'll also find out what the other Darmstadt teams have been up to. All this and more, as always, in our "Darmstadt Across the Board" section.
“Playing for Ghana would mean a great deal to me.”
Born in Hamburg in 1999 and raised in the Hanseatic city, Patric Pfeiffer's roots lie in Ghana, his mother's homeland. He has now been called up to the Ghanaian national team for the first time, and two special international matches await the SV Darmstadt 98 centre-back: first against Austria (March 27th, 6pm), then against Germany (March 30th, 8:45pm). Before the 26-year-old departs with the West Africans, we arranged an interview with him. A conversation about family and dreams, memories and old acquaintances.