Foto: SV 98 01.06.2026 / English
Transfer News: Hornby moves to Wolfsburg
Fraser Hornby's time at Darmstadt 98 comes to an end after three years. The Scottish attacking midfielder is moving to VfL Wolfsburg. Both clubs have agreed to keep the transfer fee confidential.
Paul Fernie: „Fraser approached us with a clear desire to move to Wolfsburg. Of course, it’s not easy to let go of a key player who has left his mark both on and off the pitch. However, VfL Wolfsburg made an offer of a magnitude that makes us very optimistic about this transfer. After a difficult first year, Fraser has been an important component in the process we initiated after our relegation from the Bundesliga over the past two seasons. Both the club and the player have benefited greatly from each other during this time, and we are grateful for the many special moments we shared. This transfer also confirms our approach of doing everything we can to help players become better versions of themselves. We wish Fraser all the best in his new endeavour.“
Hornby joined SV Darmstadt 98 from Stade Reims in the summer of 2023. The 26-year-old made a total of 64 competitive appearances for the Lilies, scoring 25 goals and providing 10 assists. Last season, the right-footed player made 27 appearances for the South Hessian club, contributing 21 scorer points.
SV 98 wishes Fraser Hornby all the best for his future, both personally and professionally!
Fraser Hornby - 3 years at SVD
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: Jana Delp 
Foto: eibner Pressefotos 
Foto: SV 98 
Impressive run: U21 finishes season with a 5-3 victory
An eight-goal thriller to close out the season. The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team took to the pitch one last time this season on Saturday (May 30th) – away against FC Eddersheim. The young Lilies secured a 5-3 victory in Eddersheim, finishing the 2025/26 Hessenliga season in eleventh place. Even more remarkable, however, was the U21's run at the end of the season: the Blue and Whites won their last five matches, scoring an impressive 22 goals in the process.
“That makes me very happy and proud.”
Barcelona, Spain. A global city right on the Mediterranean. Over 1.7 million people live here. And one of them is Clemens Riedel. The 22-year-old former Darmstadt player moved from SV 98 to Espanyol Barcelona last summer – from youth academy to professional in the Spanish first division. We spoke with Riedel about his first year in Barcelona, the past season, and his still close ties to Darmstadt.
Contract Extended: Nürnberger stays in Darmstadt
SV 98 can continue to rely on the services of Fabian Nürnberger. The Lilies have extended the expiring contract with the Bulgarian international.
Transfer News: Purchase Option Activated, Dettoni remains at the Lilies.
Grayson Dettoni will continue to wear the SV 98 jersey. The Lilies have exercised their option to buy the defender, who was previously on loan from FC Bayern Munich.
Football ID Championship in Darmstadt | Members‘ Network Meeting
The German Football Championship for People with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) kicks off on Sunday – and it's taking place in Darmstadt's Bürgerpark! Last week, the Darmstadt 98ers' home ground offered a different kind of sporting event: a karate demonstration. We also take a look at the opponents for the new season and celebrate two birthdays this week. You'll find all this and much more about Darmstadt 98 in our usual "Lilies Across the Board".
5-1 in the last home game: U21 secures survival in the league
„I’m proud of you,“ were the words of U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt to the team after they secured their place in the Hessenliga. On Saturday (May 23rd), SV Darmstadt 98’s U21 team had the chance to stay in the league against Turabdin Babylon Pohlheim – and they seized it impressively! The young Lilies delivered a convincing 5-1 goal fest, but at the same time still needed help from other teams to guarantee their survival. However, because their direct rivals, CSC 03 Kassel, narrowly lost in Stadtallendorf, the U21 team was finally able to celebrate.
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.
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.
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.