On that spring day in the mid-1950s, the Karlsruhe stadium filled up long before kickoff. People streamed through the entrances, wrapped in blue and white, full of anticipation for what was to come.
The 1955/56 season was to become a very special one for KSC. It turned out to be the most successful season in the club’s history: Karlsruher SC were crowned South German Champions, finished as German Vice Champions, and won the German Cup again. It was a period in which the club established itself in the upper echelons of the Oberliga Süd (Southern Premier League). These consistently strong finishes ultimately led to KSC becoming one of the founding members of the new Bundesliga in 1963. A historic step – Karlsruhe was there from the very beginning as a new era of German football began.
The first Bundesliga season, 1963/64, ended with a 13th-place finish. But just one year later, the club was on the brink of relegation. Finishing second-to-last, relegation to the second division would have been inevitable – had the league not been expanded to 18 teams. But the relief was not to last. After the 1967/68 season, KSC suffered the fate it had escaped three years earlier: finishing last in the table, the club was relegated. For the first time since the 1952 merger, Karlsruhe was no longer playing in the top German league.
Today, KSC stands on a foundation forged from these highs and lows. The club has established itself as a fixture in the 2. Bundesliga and currently sits in 8th place with 21 points. We’ve taken a closer look at KSC in our opponent analysis.
| Top Scorers | Top Assists |
| Fabian Schleusener – 9 Goals | David Herold – 5 Assists |
| Lilian Egloff – 5 Goals | Marvin Wanitzek – 3 Assists |
| Marvin Wanitzek – 4 Goals | Fabian Schleusener- 2 Assists |
| Roko Simic – 3 Goals | Andreas Müller – 2 Assists |
| Marcel Beifus – 2 Goals | Christoph Kobald – 2 Assists |
Christian Eichner
Cheftrainer beim Karlsruher SCKarlsruher SC has been particularly strong in the air this season. Christian Eichner’s team has scored five goals with their heads. This makes KSC the second-best team in the league in aerial duels, surpassed only by SC Paderborn. However, the club is not only impressive in front of goal, but also in creating chances. A total of 34 shots on goal have resulted from headed assists – placing KSC fifth in the league statistics.
Rafael Pinto Pedrosa sits relaxed on the bench after an intense training session, his shoulders still warm from the final match, his shoes covered in grass. A large portion of steaming fries sits before him – golden and crispy. With a broad, genuine grin, he tells „MeinKarlsruhe“ how much he enjoys this little reward: „When I’m watching my brother’s games or after my own – fries just hit the spot, especially after a good game and a win.“ At that moment, he doesn’t seem like an aspiring professional footballer, but like a perfectly ordinary 18-year-old appreciating the simple, beautiful things in life. And that’s precisely what makes him so likeable: behind the focused athlete is a down-to-earth young man who manages to remain unfazed by the increasing public attention.
Rafael was born in Pforzheim in 2007, into a family where sport, and especially football, was far more than just a hobby. He took his first steps in club football at SV Kickers Pforzheim. There, he quickly stood out for his exceptional technique, his joy of playing, and his impressive vision. The ball seemed glued to his feet; his movements appeared instinctive, almost effortless.
In 2017 came the moment that would decisively shape his career: the move to the youth academy of Karlsruher SC. In a more professional environment, with structured training and strong individual support, he truly took off. He progressed through all the age groups – from the U15s to the U17s and finally to the U19s. Even at a young age, he gained valuable experience that demanded physical robustness, tactical discipline, and assertiveness. Step by step, he developed further: becoming more athletic, more mature in his decision-making, and more consistent in his performance.
In the summer of 2024, the hard-earned milestone followed: his promotion to the KSC professional squad. Finally, in 2025, Rafael signed a long-term contract. A clear sign of the club’s great confidence in him.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"
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.
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.
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.
