Foto: SV 98 23.07.2025 / English
The new away jersey is HERE! | Season opening at Bölle
Following the successful presentation of the home jersey for the 2025/26 season, SV Darmstadt 98’s away jersey has now also been unveiled. The Lilies will be wearing classic white on the road in the new season. In addition to the artistic embossing, already familiar from the home jersey, the embroidered and complete club crest on the chest stands out as a special detail. At the same time, the season opening at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor is getting closer and closer. Visitors can look forward to numerous promotional stands, culinary highlights, and, as a special event, a match between two member teams on Wednesday afternoon (July 23rd), whose teams will be drawn in advance. We report on these and other topics relating to SV 98 in our weekly column „Lilien Across the Board“
+++ Season opening at Bölle +++
The new season is upon us, and SV Darmstadt 98 wants to kick it off with its fans in style. On Wednesday, July 23rd, starting at 4:30pm, a varied program awaits you at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the team up close and spend a special holiday with the Lilien family.
A special highlight of the fan festival is a friendly match between two member teams, which will be played directly in the stadium. Additionally, the 98ers‘ professional team will complete a training session in their new away jerseys and then spread out around the Böllenfalltor for an autograph session. Admission to the season-opening fan festival and the friendly match is free. Seating is free in the main and south stands. However, for organisational reasons, we ask that you reserve free tickets in advance.
+++ The new away jersey of the Lilies +++
The Lilies‘ away jersey for the 2025/26 season can be described as a successful combination of tradition and fresh design. While stylistically inspired by the home jersey, it nevertheless sets its own unique accents. The white jersey features distinctive details that lend it a special individuality. Particularly striking are the ornaments from the Art Nouveau and Gothic periods, incorporated using an embossing process. Unlike the home jersey, these decorations are also found on the sleeves, giving the jersey additional visual depth.
A special highlight is the elaborately embroidered club crest on the chest, replacing the stylized Lilies logo for the first time in many years. There is also a striking change in the collar design: instead of a classic collar, the jersey, manufactured by CRAFT, features a modern V-neck. The sleeve and neck cuffs feature a blue and white striped pattern, lending the jersey additional dynamism. The back still features the „Darmstadt“ lettering in Art Nouveau typography, complemented by a stylized church window and the abbreviation „svd98.“ The jersey is now available both online and in fan shops. The SV Darmstadt 98 professional team will wear it for the first time during a training session during the evening season opening at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
+++ Dress rehearsal against Hoffenheim +++
The end of the summer break is fast approaching. In just over a week, the Lilies will kick off the new second division season with a home game against VfL Bochum (August 2nd, 1pm). The first team’s preparations are in full swing, as the opening game at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor is intended to be a successful start to the 2025/26 season.
Before that, however, the SV Darmstadt 98 team still has a dress rehearsal scheduled: On Saturday (July 26th), the Lilies will face TSG Hoffenheim away at 4:30pm. The second division team faces a tough test against a Bundesliga opponent at the end of their preseason.
The Lilies‘ test matches at a glance:
| Date | Match | Result |
| Sunday, 29.06.25 | SV Traisa – SV 98 | 0:24 |
| Wednesday, 02.07.25 | SV 98 – SV Viktoria Aschaffenburg | 4:1 |
| Wednesday, 09.07.25 | SV 98 – Notts County Football Club | 2:1 |
| Thursday, 17.07.25 | SV 98 – FC St. Gallen | 4:2 |
| Thursday, 17.07.25 | SV 98 – FV Rot-Weiß Weiler | 9:0 |
| Saturday, 26.07.25 | TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – SV 98 |
+++ Summer Sale in the fan shop +++
To kick off the new season, SV Darmstadt 98 is doing a big clean-out, and at unbeatable prices. With its big clearance sale, SV Darmstadt 98 is offering you the perfect opportunity to score some real bargains. Prices have been significantly reduced, especially in the apparel section. Whether it’s shirts, hoodies, or teamwear – attractive offers await you in all categories.
Would you rather discover your favourites in person? Then come to our big sale as part of the season opening on Wednesday (July 23rd) from 4:30pm at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. It’s worth stopping by!
+++ Young Lilies at Media Day +++
It’s not just the first team players who are about to start the new season. SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team is also in the midst of intensive preparation for the upcoming season. Those who think of this as solely focused on running, passing, and goal-scoring drills are only partially correct. Media presence also requires careful preparation to showcase the players in the best possible light.
As part of the LOTTO Hessenliga Media Day, the two Lilien players Bastian Görtler and Tom Steineck participated in various formats. In addition to portrait and celebration photos and quick-fire questions, the young Lilien players took on an imposter challenge and a juggling challenge, among other challenges.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 +++ Srećan rođendan, Vuko! +++
The over two-meter-tall SV Darmstadt 98 defender celebrated his 30th birthday on Tuesday, July 22nd. Aleksandar Vukotic began his professional career at Sloga Kraljevo in Serbia. Via Dolina Padina, the Serbian-born player moved to FK Krupa in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2018, he moved to Belgium, where he played in the Challenger Pro League and the Jupiler Pro League.
In July 2017, his path finally led him to SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Vukotic made a total of 31 appearances in the Hessian state capital, scoring two goals. He has been wearing the Lilies jersey since July 2024. SV Darmstadt 98 sends his warmest congratulations: Happy birthday, Vuko!
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.