Foto: SV 98 23.05.2026 / English
Professional contracts for Herbst and Merx
SV 98 have signed Milian Herbst and Manolo Merx to professional contracts. The two young players will therefore be part of the Lilies' professional squad next season.
Paul Fernie: „Both Manolo and Milian have made very positive progress in recent months and have shown strong performances in the Hessenliga. They exemplify our overarching goal of integrating young players into the senior squad as early as 17 or 18 years old. We are delighted to have both players in our professional squad in the future and are convinced that they will continue their development in this environment, as well as through regular appearances for the U21 team.“
The 18-year-old Herbst already participated in training sessions with the first team last season and also featured in several friendly matches. So far this season, the midfielder has made 27 appearances for Darmstadt’s U21 team in the Hessenliga (8 goals, 2 assists). Merx, who will turn 18 next August, was promoted from the U19 team to the U21s at the beginning of the year and has since accumulated fourteen scorer points in twelve Hessenliga appearances. On October 28, 2025, the right-footed player made his debut for the German U18 national team in a 3-0 win against Luxembourg.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Volunteer Award 2026: Haftpflichtkasse and SV 98 honour clubs
For the fourth time, the Haftpflichtkasse insurance company and SV Darmstadt 98 have jointly awarded four clubs with the Volunteer Award. The award ceremony, including the presentation of the checks, took place last Sunday (May 17th) before the home game against SC Paderborn at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The Volunteer Award, established in 2023 by the Haftpflichtkasse and SV Darmstadt 98, aims to strengthen volunteer engagement and promote outstanding projects.
Dates for the Darmstadt Running Club 2026
Whether jogging, walking or Nordic walking: everyone is welcome at the Darmstadt running club. Since 1974, the initiative has been getting people moving and offers suitable options for both beginners and advanced runners.
Will and Co.: How the second half of the season went for the Lilies‘ loaned players
Between staying in the league, fighting relegation, and the end of the season, the second half of the season was a busy one for SV Darmstadt 98's loaned players. While Paul Will is still battling to avoid relegation with SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Leon Klassen (Grazer AK), Meldin Dreskovic (Nyíregyháza Spartacus FC), Fabio Torsiello (Alemannia Aachen), and Othmane El Idrissi (Viktoria Aschaffenburg) have already finished their seasons. We take a look at the past few weeks for the Lilies' loaned players.
Long break for Papela
Merveille Papela suffered a meniscus injury during Darmstadt 98's away match in Karlsruhe (May 3rd). This was confirmed by examinations over the past few weeks. The 25-year-old has already undergone successful surgery. Papela will therefore be unavailable to SV Darmstadt 98 for the next few months.
Three-quarters majority
The 2025/26 season for SV Darmstadt 98 came to an end with their home match against SC Paderborn. Looking at the final standings, points total, and many memorable moments, it’s a season that still deserves the label „remarkably good.“ From a broader perspective, the overall assessment of the year is overwhelmingly positive. However, the final weeks of the season, which proved quite challenging, are also part of the overall evaluation. We’ll take another look back at those weeks in our season analysis.
May 22nd: Club anniversary at Schlossgartenplatz
SV Darmstadt 98, founded in 1898, will celebrate its 128th anniversary this coming Friday (May 22nd). To mark this milestone, SV 98 invites all Lilies fans to the Schlossgartenplatz in Darmstadt from 5pm to 10pm. Club members will even receive free drinks – while supplies last.
3060 minutes played | Club birthday with you
After 34 matchdays, the season came to an end last Sunday. Marcel Schuhen finally got a break, having played every single minute of the entire campaign. But unlike the professionals, the young Lilies can't rest just yet. There's still plenty to do for the reserve team. And there's also a lot going on off the pitch. We'll keep you updated here in "Lilies Across the Board" with all the latest news.
Goal fest in Hanau: U21 wins 5-1
More crucial points. Away at 1. Hanauer FC, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team delivered a convincing five-goal performance in their fight to avoid relegation. With this victory, the young Lilies have amassed twelve points from their last five matches. With two matchdays remaining, direct relegation is no longer a possibility, and the U21s hold a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, Darmstadt need more points to further distance themselves from the relegation playoff spot.
„I feel a tremendous amount of appreciation.“
Despite a valiant effort and several chances, SV Darmstadt 98 lost 2-0 to SC Paderborn. The Lilies still finish the season in fifth place. However, the main focus of the match for Darmstadt was the farewell to club legend Fabian Holland. What did the coaches and players have to say about this afternoon's game? We've compiled their reactions.
Season Ends in Defeat
They tried everything, but the goal just wouldn't come: Darmstadt lost 2-0 (1-0) to SC Paderborn. This means SV 98 finishes the 2025/26 season in fifth place with 52 points. Fabian Holland played 69 minutes in his final match for Darmstadt.
Team News: Holland starts as Captain
The last home game of the 2025/26 season – and a very special one at that. Fabian Holland will lead the team onto the pitch as captain in his 319th and final competitive match. He replaces Raoul Petretta in the SV 98 starting eleven. Furthermore, Florian Kohfeldt has selected Aleksandar Vukotic, who starts in place of the injured Patric Pfeiffer, and Sergio Lopez, who starts in place of Yosuke Furukawa, for the 34th matchday of the second division. Bartosz Bialek is unavailable for selection due to a foot injury.
Matchday Guide All Information for the Paderborn Game
One last time! One more football match this season, one last time at the Bölle, and one last time with Fabian Holland. On matchday 34, SV Darmstadt 98 will face SC Paderborn on Sunday (May 17th, 3:30pm). Who will referee the match? Where will it be broadcast? And will the sun be shining? You'll find all the answers as usual in "Matchday Guide" – clearly presented with everything you need to know about the matchday.