Foto: SV 98 20.01.2026 / English
Transfer News: Petretta signs for SV 98
Darmstadt have signed Raoul Petretta as a winter signing. The 28-year-old left-back most recently played for Toronto FC, where his contract expired at the end of the year.
Paul Fernie: „It was clear to us that we would only go ahead with Leon Klassen’s loan if we could sign another player for the left-back position. And we are very happy that Raoul has decided to join us. Raoul is a full-back who, due to his game intelligence, his ability to initiate attacks, and his ball control, perfectly fits our requirements. Furthermore, he is a good decision-maker, possesses a strong tactical understanding, and actively defends.“
Raoul Petretta: „After my contract in Toronto ended, my goal was to return to Europe. And I’m very happy that this wish has been fulfilled with my move to Darmstadt. Having spent a long time in Basel, I’ve always followed German football and considered Darmstadt an interesting club. I had very positive discussions with the management over the past few days, which made the decision to join Darmstadt easy. Now I’m looking forward to getting to know my teammates and completing my first training sessions with the team.“
Petretta was already active for FC Basel from the age of six, progressing through all the youth teams at the top Swiss club before signing his first professional contract with FCB in 2017. The 28-year-old made a total of 152 competitive appearances for Basel, including five Champions League matches and ten Europa League games (four more in qualifying). In the summer of 2022, the left-footed player, born in Rheinfelden, Baden-Württemberg, moved to Turkish first division club Kasimpasa. Petretta made twelve appearances for the Istanbul club before joining Toronto FC in January 2023, where he became a regular starter, playing 85 competitive matches for the Canadian team.
Bei den Lilien erhält Petretta die Rückennummer 18.
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
Foto: SV 98 
„We want to continue this path in Karlsruhe“
On Sunday, the Lilies face a challenge in Baden: for the 8th matchday, SV Darmstadt 98 travel to take on Karlsruher SC. At the pre-match press conference, our head coach discussed the squad situation, the qualities of the opposition, and the team's motivation to get back to winning ways on the road.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
On Sunday (October 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. KSC has a history that extends well beyond the confines of German football: the club from Baden once caused a stir on the European stage, writing a chapter that is still remembered today. But how did KSC manage to step into the international spotlight, and what made this success so special?
Fan Information for the Karlsruhe Game
The next away match is coming up: this Sunday (October 18th, 1:30pm), the Lilien will visit Karlsruher SC for the 8th matchday of the 2. Bundesliga. As always, you can find all the essential information regarding travel and your visit to the stadium in the fan guidelines.
The largest team photo in the history of the Lilien enters its second round
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
Facts & Figures: The Top Facts before the Karlsruhe Game
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
Stolperstein tour commemorates Jewish club members
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
New breadth for the future and commemorating the past
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Secure your tickets now: Home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on general sale.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
Well-deserved victory for the Young Lilies
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
With the right mindset and positive development
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
Krombacher Böllenfalltor-GOAL-Bonus
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
„Didn’t lose our heads after falling behind early“
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here: