Foto: SV 98 30.12.2025 / English
SV 98 exercises purchase option for Akiyama
SV Darmstadt 98 have exercised their option to buy Hiroki Akiyama, as stipulated in the loan agreement with Albirex Niigata. This means the existing loan will become a permanent contract at the end of the season. The club and the 25-year-old Japanese player have agreed on the relevant contract terms.
Paul Fernie: “Hiro integrated superbly into our group from day one and, despite the language barrier, adapted incredibly quickly to German football and culture. On the pitch, he has demonstrated exactly the qualities we hoped for when we signed him. He is extremely press-resistant, always wants the ball, and can dictate the tempo of a game. Furthermore, he has already made great progress in his work off the ball and is increasingly developing into a ball-winner. On top of that, there’s the goal threat he has shown so far this season, something we honestly haven’t seen to this extent in Japan. Therefore, there was no doubt for us that we wanted to keep Hiro beyond this season and would exercise our purchase option. Now is the right time to have clarity before the start of winter training.”
Hiroki Akiyama: “I immediately felt very welcome at the club and in the entire city. We are a great team with very good footballers and outstanding characters. I’m incredibly happy to be a part of it and I’m glad that I’ve been able to help the team on the pitch so far. I want to thank the management for their trust and I’m very happy about the permanent move to Darmstadt. My wife and daughter have also joined me in Germany now, and we’ve finally arrived as a family. I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season and my future with the Lilies.”
So far this season, Akiyama has made 16 appearances in the second division, starting every match. The midfielder has scored two goals. He also played in the cup matches against Schalke and Freiburg, contributing a goal to the victory against Schalke.
Hiro is staying HERE!
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
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.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
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.
Still undefeated
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.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
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.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
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.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
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.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
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"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
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.
“I’d be up for it”
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.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
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.
Jonathan Heimes Square is officially opened
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Facts & Figures: The top stats about the Hannover game
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.