Foto: DFL / Getty Images 28.04.2025 / English
Tobias Kempe’s time as a Lilien professional ends after the season
A club legend is stepping down: After a total of ten seasons with the Lily on his chest, Tobias Kempe's time as a player for SV98 will end this summer. The club and the 35-year-old agreed in joint talks not to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Paul Fernie: „Tobi Kempe’s achievements for the Lilies are hard to put into words. His unique history with our club is absolutely exceptional in modern football. He belongs to a very special category of players who have achieved something like this in their careers: not only representing a club, but also living and shaping it for so many years. I have the utmost respect for his achievements in Darmstadt.“
Rüdiger Fritsch: „It’s fair to say that Tobi Kempe is one of the greatest Lilien players of this century. He was a key factor in the past successful decade. Furthermore, with his down-to-earth and open manner, he was a truly likeable figure throughout. Tobi will be given a fitting farewell at the last home game of the season and will always be welcome at SV 98.“
This club, the incredibly great fans and the time we spent together will forever hold a big place in my heart.
Tobias Kempe: „I feel a great sense of gratitude and honour to have spent a large part of my career at this special club. This club, the incredibly great fans, and the time we spent together will forever hold a special place in my heart. Now is a good time to announce my decision about my future to the public. I’ve had very good and trusting discussions with Paul Fernie, Tom Eilers, Florian Kohfeldt, and the executive committee throughout this entire period. I will absorb and enjoy every moment in the coming weeks, right up until the final matchday.“
Kempe has been playing for SV 98 since 2014 – with the exception of one season with 1. FC Nürnberg. He celebrated promotion to the Bundesliga twice with the Lilies, in 2015 and 2023. In the 2014/15 season, Kempe scored the decisive goal for the Bundesliga on the final matchday against FC St. Pauli. Kempe also played a key role in the Lilies‘ only ever top-flight survival, in the 2015/16 season.
To date, the midfielder has made 283 competitive appearances for the Southern Hesse side. The right-footed player has scored 57 goals for the Lilies and provided another 64 assists. The club will bid farewell to Kempe on the final matchday at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor.
A Lily era in pictures:
Foto: DFL / Getty Images 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Imago Images 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: DFL / Getty Images 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: DFL / Getty Images 
Foto: DFL / Getty Images 
Foto: DFL / Getty Images 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: Stefan Holtzem 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
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.
