Foto: SV 98 29.07.2026 / English
Transfer News: Lee moves to Darmstadt
SV 98 has found the reinforcement it was looking for to fill the centre-forward position. Hojae Lee is joining the club at the Böllenfalltor from the South Korean top-flight side Pohang Steelers.
Paul Fernie: „We have been following Hojae’s career and development for quite some time, and an opportunity arose this summer to bring him to Darmstadt. He is ready for the move to Europe and is eager to take on this new challenge. In him, we are gaining a powerful centre-forward distinguished by his physicality and finishing ability. He likes to operate as a target man in the penalty area and excels at playing with his back to the goal and in aerial duels. We are delighted to have signed such an exciting attacking player.“
Hojae Lee: „I was immediately excited by the prospect of continuing my career in Germany. I have always followed German football and am thrilled to now be a part of it and to have signed with a club that has such a rich tradition. I am highly motivated to repay the trust placed in me by scoring goals, and I can’t wait to pull on the Darmstadt jersey for the first time.“
Lee was born in Suwon but spent nearly nine years of his youth in New Zealand, where his father, Ki-hyung Lee, played for Auckland City for three years. In 2016, the forward moved from the Onehunga Sports Football Club youth setup back to his native country to join the youth academy of Incheon United. Between 2019 and January 2021, Lee played for Korea University before signing the first professional contract of his career with the Pohang Steelers. He made a total of 177 competitive appearances and scored 53 goals for the club from South Korea’s east coast. Last season, the striker netted 15 times in 34 league matches; in the current campaign, the 25-year-old has scored eight goals in 20 games.
Lee made his debut for the South Korean national team in July 2025. He has earned three international caps to date.
Lee will wear the number 9 shirt at SV 98.
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: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Premiere at the „Bölle“ against Portsmouth: „Trinkhalle“ in the main stand
It is worth heading to the "Bölle" even before kick-off for the Lilien's friendly match against Portsmouth FC on Saturday (August 1st): when the stadium opens at 12pm, the "Trinkhalle am Bölle" in the north wing of the main stand will celebrate its debut and open its doors to all stadium visitors.
Member pre-sale for the Hannover home match starts Wednesday.
At the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor against Hannover 96! SV Darmstadt 98 will host the team from Lower Saxony on Sunday (August 30, 1:30pm) for Matchday 3 of the 2. Bundesliga season. The advance ticket sale for members for the new season's second home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 29) at 12pm—available as usual online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion. You can find all further details in this announcement.
It was lovely.
The Lilies have successfully concluded their training camp in Bad Wörishofen. We chronicled their time in the Allgäu region in our diary.
„Very positive impression of the team atmosphere“
Following the Lilien's successful friendly match on Saturday (July 25th), Florian Kohfeldt answered questions from the traveling media representatives.
Clear victory at the training camp
A successful conclusion to the training camp in Bad Wörishofen: SV Darmstadt 98 won their friendly against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach convincingly, 7–2 (4–1).
„Something new is coming together“
Markus Pfitzner commented on the summer pre-season, the current squad, and the final pieces of the puzzle—among other topics—on the sidelines of Friday's training session (July 24th). We have compiled the key statements made by the "Lilien" president from the training camp in Bad Wörishofen for you.
Transfer News: Lopez Transfers to Spain
Sergio Lopez’s time at SV 98 is coming to an end after two years. The 27-year-old Spaniard is moving to FC Granada. The "Lilies" and the Spanish second-division club agreed on the transfer this Friday (July 24th).
Opposition Check: Portsmouth FC
"It’s coming home"? Not quite. But at least it’s coming to the "Bölle"! To kick off the season, SV Darmstadt 98 will host English second-division side Portsmouth FC at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor next Saturday (August 1). Fans of both clubs can look forward not only to an exciting international pre-season test but also to a special day of football centred around the official season opener. Kick-off is at 2pm, with a varied program of activities around the stadium awaiting visitors beforehand. But first, let’s take a closer look at the "Lilies'" opponents.
„My good feeling has been confirmed so far.“
Ibrahim El Kadiri has been an SV 98 player for just under a month. We took the opportunity during the training camp to interview the skillful new signing.
‚Integrate everyone as quickly as possible‘ | Portsmouth is coming to Bölle
A training camp, a friendly match, and a blue-and-white presence in the Odenwald: there is plenty going on around SV 98 this week. The "Lilies" are continuing their intensive preparations for the new season in Bad Wörishofen until Sunday (July 26th), while also bonding as a team off the pitch. Saturday (July 25th) brings the next pre-season test: a match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Additionally, SV 98 will once again be represented at the Erbach Wiesenmarkt’s Family Day on Thursday (July 23rd). "Lilies Across the Board" brings you all the latest news from life at the club.
SV 98 and Klöber enter into a premium partnership.
Taking the next step together: SV Darmstadt 98 and Klöber Versicherungsmakler GmbH are further expanding their partnership. The Darmstadt-based company, which has served as a "Top Partner" to the Lilien for the past two years, will now act as a "Premium Partner" of SV 98.
Starting Friday: Member pre-sale for Jena
It’s cup time again! In the first round of the 2026/27 DFB-Pokal season, the Lilies will face FC Carl Zeiss Jena in the "City of Light" on Sunday, August 23, at 3:30pm. Here’s how you can be there for the away match: the pre-sale for members begins this coming Friday, July 24, at 12pm —available both online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion. You can find all further details in this announcement.