Foto: SV 98 26.06.2024 / English
Papela joins the Lilien
SV Darmstadt 98 has secured the services of a dynamic midfielder: Merveille Papela is joining the Lilies on a free transfer. The 23-year-old was active for 1. FSV Mainz 05 last season.
Paul Fernie: “Merveille Papela expands our options in midfield because he is characterised by his high dynamism and ball winning rate. With his pace and quickness of action, he will also be able to help us in pressing moments. We are convinced that Darmstadt is the right place for Merveille to fully develop.”
Torsten Lieberknecht: “Merveille has already gained experience in the Bundesliga and 2nd league, and at the age of 23 he still has potential for further development steps. I am pleased that he will be able to attend large parts of the first training camp so that he can get to know our processes and the team.”
Merveille Papela: “I like what has been built here in Darmstadt in the last few years. It’s not for nothing that they were competitors in the fight to stay in the Bundesliga last season. I am now happy to be part of the club and the team and am positively looking forward to what awaits me in the first session with the club.”
Papela played for Mainz 05’s youth teams from 2011 to 2019. The Mainz native also spent his professional time – interrupted by a one-year loan at the then second division club SV Sandhausen – exclusively with the Rheinhessen team. Papela played in eleven Bundesliga games and one game in the DFB Cup for FSV last season. He played 20 second division games for SVS. Papela also played through all of the DFB national teams from U15 to U20. In total he has 28 international matches at youth level.
Papela will wear the number 21 shirt for SV 98.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
SVD vs. 1. FC Magdeburg: Win ENTEGA fan seats
Our premium partner ENTEGA is once again providing unique stadium experiences this season. For every home game, you can win two VIP fan seats in the main stand and also gain access to the ENTEGA VIP lounge. The application deadline for the match against 1. FC Magdeburg is Thursday (October 29th) at 6pm.
Fan Information for the Home Game Against Magdeburg
On Saturday (31.10.2026/1pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game.
Cooperation between SV 98 and HAIX ends as contractually agreed.
The main and jersey partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and HAIX will end as contractually agreed on June 30th, 2027 and will not be continued beyond that date.
Conviction and Cup Magic
Florian Kleinhansl couldn't help but chuckle when asked about the statistics from the previous cup match after the game. "For us, only one statistic mattered today. And we won that one," said the 26-year-old after SV 98's surprising 2-0 victory against the eighth-placed Bundesliga team. It was a coup that demanded a lot from the Lilies. The hosts recorded 18 corners, 26 shots on goal, and 74 percent possession. And yet, in the end, an away win for the team from southern Hesse was displayed on the scoreboard in Saarland.
“That was a victory of passion.”
Fight, dedication, efficiency, an outstanding Marcel Schuhen, and also the necessary dose of luck. These were the ingredients for Darmstadt's cup upset against SV Elversberg. The players were overjoyed afterward, having fought their way to the next round against the favoured Bundesliga side.
Round of 16! Lilies fight their way through.
With tremendous dedication, Darmstadt secured their place in the next round! The Lilies rewarded themselves for a tremendous fight and incredible defensive work by advancing to the round of 16. The final score was 2-0 (1-0) against SV Elversberg after 90 intense minutes in which the South Hessians suffered but fought tooth and nail against Elversberg's relentless onslaught. Kehl and Smit sealed the victory for Darmstadt's efficient performance.
Team News: Five Changes to the Team
In the second round of the DFB Cup, Darmstadt 98 will travel to face SV Elversberg. Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Christopher Lannert, Florian Kleinhansl, Nicolas Verkooijen, Lance Duijvestijn, and Hojae Lee will start in place of William Mikelbrencis, Noah Weißhaupt, Hiroki Akiyama, Marco Richter, and Fynn Lakenmacher. Richter is unavailable due to a minor thigh injury.
Matchday Guide: All Information for Pokal Game against Elversberg
On Tuesday evening, SV 98 will travel to SV Elversberg for the second round of the DFB Cup. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will referee the match, and where can you watch the cup tie live? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the game against the Saarlanders in our "Matchday Guidet" format.
Opposition Check: Elversberg
DFB Cup, Round Two: On Tuesday evening (October 27th), SV Darmstadt 98 will face SV Elversberg. The hosts have come a long way in just a few years. Where regional league football was once played at the Kaiserlinde stadium, Bundesliga football is now the norm. Elversberg achieved their rise through the leagues in record time. Now, the DFB Cup awaits, providing the next stage where they are eager to prove themselves.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts for the Elversberg Game
The second round of the DFB Cup is upon us! On Tuesday (October 27th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit SV Elversberg. Find out what the two teams have in common, how they differ, and which statistics are particularly interesting before the cup match in our facts and figures.
Fan Information for Pokal Game in Elversberg
Darmstadt 98 will play their second DFB Cup match against SV Elversberg tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27th. Fans wishing to support the team in person can find all the important information about traveling and attending the match in the fan information.
„Anything else makes no sense“
After the league games, SV 98 faces its next challenge in the DFB Cup. In the second round, the Lilies will travel to SV Elversberg tomorrow, Tuesday (October 27th, 8:45pm). Our head coach spoke about the opponent, the team's approach, and the importance of the cup competition.