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.
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: