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 
“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.
Jonathan Heimes Square is officially opened
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Facts & Figures: The top stats about the Hannover game
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
Fan Information for the Home Game against Hannover
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
Good morning! | Riedel against Real
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
Tour of Historic Venues
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.