Foto: SV 98 14.08.2026 / English
Transfer News: Lilies Loan Striker Smit
SV 98 has confirmed the signing of a new central striker: Milan Smit will be hunting for goals for the "Lilies." The 23-year-old Dutchman is joining the club at the Böllenfalltor on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season.
Paul Fernie: „After intensive negotiations and discussions over the past few weeks, the opportunity has now arisen to sign Milan on loan. Despite his height, his profile differs from the types of strikers we already have in the squad. He has a keen sense of space and times his runs in behind the defence well. Through intelligent movement, he frequently finds himself in promising positions, while also possessing good technique and finishing ability. Milan is generally characterised by an intense style of play; furthermore, over the last six months, he has experienced the highly physical nature of the Championship and developed further physically. We are confident that he will be a valuable addition to our attack.“
Milan Smit: „The club showed great interest in me, and during our talks, they won me over with a clear vision and a very accurate assessment of my playing style. I am really looking forward to wearing the ‚Lilies‘ jersey from now on. I am well aware of the quality of the 2. Bundesliga, and I will give my all week in, week out to help the team with my performances.“
Smit came through the youth academies of FC Emmen, SC Heerenveen, and Twente Enschede before moving to SC Cambuur at the U18 level. It was with the team from the Frisian city of Leeuwarden that the forward made the step up to professional football and the top tier of the Dutch game. Following relegation from the Eredivisie, Smit scored 20 goals in 39 second-division matches for Cambuur before moving to Go Ahead Eagles—also in the Eredivisie—in August 2024. During his time with the Deventer-based club, the right-footed player recorded 18 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 54 competitive matches over the course of a year and a half. He also celebrated winning the Dutch Cup with the Eagles in 2025, a victory that secured the team’s qualification for the Europa League. Smit scored three goals in six appearances in that competition. In January of this year, the forward initially joined Stoke City on loan before the English second-division club signed the Dutchman on a permanent basis at the end of the season. Smit has made 14 competitive appearances for Stoke so far (recording three goal contributions).
He will wear the number 36 shirt for the Lilies.
Foto: SV 98 
Titsch Rivero becomes interim coach
SV 98 has found a new transition coach in Marcel Titsch Rivero. The 36-year-old succeeds Maximilian Mehring in this role; Mehring has been serving as Sporting Director of the youth academy since March of this year.
Fan Information for the Dresden Game
The first away match of the new 2026/27 season is coming up. This Sunday (August 16, 1:30pm), the Lilies will visit SG Dynamo Dresden at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion. As always, you can find all the important information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
Four goals after the break: U21 wins in Walldorf
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a 4–1 (0–1) victory over SV Rot-Weiss Walldorf. After a difficult opening phase, the match took a decisive turn following a red card for Walldorf. In the second half, Patrick Kurt's team dominated proceedings and turned the game around, scoring four goals to claim the win.
Facts & Figures: The Top Stats about the Match against Dresden
On Sunday, SVD faces its first away match of the 2026/27 season against Dynamo Dresden. The Lilies have managed to score at least once in every match played at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion so far. You can find further facts and figures regarding the game here.
Superman, U21 and Grassroots Sports
Darmstadt or Smallville? Florian Kleinhansl answered reporters' questions, the U21 team is playing in Walldorf, and we look back at the Lilies' grassroots sports camp. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found as usual in "Lilies Across the Board".
Starting Wednesday: Member presale for Bielefeld
Bielefeld is coming to the Bölle! For the fifth matchday of the new second division season, SV Darmstadt 98 will face Arminia Bielefeld on Friday (September 11th, 6.30pm). Here’s how to get your tickets: Member pre-sale starts next Wednesday (August 12th) at 12pm, both online and at the ticket office at the Merck Stadium.
Still undefeated: U21 secures a point
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 1-1 (1-1) with SV Rot-Weiß Hadamar. Playing in front of their home crowd, the young Lilies took the lead but conceded the equaliser before halftime.
Analysis: Faith helps
Darmstadt's season started with a bang. A late comeback secured SV 98 a point against Holstein Kiel. Our analysis examines the key moments of the match, highlighting both the positives and the negatives.
„They showed character“
Darmstadt showed great character, coming back from a 0-2 deficit in their first competitive match of the new season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
A Point Gained with Spirit
SV 98 demonstrated their resilience and comeback qualities right from the first matchday: In the 2-2 (0-2) draw, the Lilies equalised a two-goal deficit and ultimately snatched a point from the visitors. Lee (76th minute) and Vukotić (86th minute) sent the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor into raptures in the second half.
Team News: Four New Faces in the Starting XI
Darmstadt 98 kick off their new second division season with a home game against Holstein Kiel (August 8th/1pm). Florian Kohfeldt will field four new players in the starting lineup – Noah Weißhaupt, Florian Kleinhansl, Christopher Lannert, and Lance Duijvestijn – who will be making their competitive debuts for the Lilies.
Matchday Guide: All the info on the Kiel game
Finally, it's starting again! Today, Saturday (August 8th/1pm), Darmstadt 98 kicks off the new 2. Bundesliga season with a home game against Holstein Kiel. The Lilies host the Storks at the Böllenfalltor stadium and are aiming to secure their first points of the new campaign. What are the two head coaches' comments before kickoff? Who will referee the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the season opener against Holstein Kiel in our "Matchday Guide" overview.