Foto: Herbert Krämer 10.10.2025 / English
What is Freddy Hess actually doing?
Freddy Heß joined SV Darmstadt 98 at Böllenfalltor in 1987 from Südwest Ludwigshafen and stayed in the second division for six years, making 231 appearances for the Lilies. It's easy to imagine that he barely missed a game. He scored ten goals during that time and distinguished himself as an uncompromising defender. In the summer of 1995, he moved to SV Edenkoben and in 2000 to SC Hauenstein, where he ended his playing career. How does Heß look back on his time in Darmstadt? How did he end up at the Lilies? And what is he doing today? The former Lilies defender reveals all in an interview for our "What's He Actually Doing?" section.
sv 98.de: Hi, Freddy! To start off, an icebreaker question: I’ve seen pictures of you as a player – was that actually a perm or were the curls real?
Freddy Heß: The curls were actually real! (laughs) It look a bit straighter today, but the hair I had back then wasn’t a perm, it was natural.
sv98.de: When and how did you come to SV Darmstadt 98?
It happened pretty quickly back then. I came from SV Südwest Ludwigshafen and, after a holiday in Mallorca, Klaus Schlappner called me. He was looking for a central defender for the upcoming second division season. I was completely surprised, as I was already firmly established in my career. Within 14 days, the transfer was finalised, and I signed a two-year contract. Quitting my job, however, was tricky – my notice period would have conflicted with the start of training. Schlappner quickly called my employer and convinced him so that I could be there on time for the start of training.
sv98.de: Can you imagine how Darmstadt first noticed you back then?
Yes, it was directly related to Klaus Schlappner. When he moved from Waldhof Mannheim to the Lilies, he asked Horst Konzok, then Waldhof’s secretary, if he could recommend a central defender. That’s how my name came up.
Freddy Heß
Current position: Commercial employee- Birthdate: 07.03.1964 (61)
- Height: 1,81 m
- Position at SV 98: Central Defender
- Nationality: Germany
sv98.de: You’ve played 231 games for the Lilies. What kept you at SV 98 for so long?
I was a regular starter from the start, barely missed any games, and was rarely injured. This allowed me to shine early on. While we narrowly missed promotion to the Bundesliga, I had the chance to play at a high level for many years. A planned move to MSV Duisburg fell through, so I extended my contract with the Lilies. If we hadn’t been relegated, I probably would have spent my entire career there. I’m very proud of the many games I played during that time.
sv98.de: Which Lilien moments will you never forget?
Definitely the relegation play-offs against Waldhof Mannheim for Bundesliga promotion in June 1988 – even though we lost. Then the game against Schalke in front of 70,000 spectators in the 1990/91 season. Also particularly memorable is the 1-0 DFB Cup victory against the then UEFA Cup winners Bayer Leverkusen in September 1989. However, the relegation in 1992/93 was very painful. Playing for Darmstadt 98 was a highlight for me, so I’ve been thinking about that moment for a long time.
sv98.de: Which person had the biggest influence on you in Darmstadt?
Definitely Klaus Schlappner. He believed in me from the very beginning and paved my way to professional football. Without him, I would never have become a professional. Of course, I had to perform to my potential, but he gave me the confidence.
Foto: Herbert Krämer 
Foto: Herbert Krämer sv98.de: What advice would you give your younger self today?
Giving advice to yourself is difficult. I did everything I could to be a good performer. I don’t know why it wasn’t enough for the Bundesliga. But I made the most of my opportunities. And yes – I achieved everything through diligence and hard work. I’m a fighter who never gives up. That has shaped me, even if it sometimes took a lot of effort.
sv98.de: When you look at the club’s development since your time – what impresses you most?
The way those in charge have made the club great again. I was incredibly pleased with the promotion in 2014/15. The stadium development is also remarkable – incomparable to what it was before. The club has made huge strides in all areas.
sv98.de: Do you still feel a strong connection to the club today?
Yes, definitely. I live in Landau in der Pfalz, but I make it to Böllenfalltor two or three times a season – especially for games against Kaiserslautern. I also regularly travel with the traditional team. For me, Darmstadt was never just a job.
sv98.de: What do you do today?
I’ve been working as a commercial employee at a large shoe company for 28 years. I’ll be retiring soon.
Career
| Season | Team |
| 1995/96 – 99/00 | SC Hauenstein |
| 1993/94 – 1994/95 | SV Edenkoben |
| 1987/88 – 1992/93 | SV Darmstadt 98 |
| 1983/84 – 1986/87 | SV Südwest |
| -1982/83 | ASV Landau |
sv98.de: How did the transition from football to working life go?
I had a small financial cushion from my time as a professional, but after relegation, I had to return to „normal“ life. In Edenkoben, I was able to complete a commercial apprenticeship alongside football – it was the right path for my family at the time.
sv98.de: What do you enjoy most about your job?
The daily interaction with my colleagues. And, of course, the fact that my work has secured my retirement and I’ll soon have time for my grandchildren.
Foto: Privat 
Foto: Privat 
Foto: Privat 
Foto: Privat sv98.de: How do you spend your free time these days?
I enjoy traveling with my wife and spending a lot of time with my children and grandchildren. Hiking at Tegernsee or in Oberstdorf, a beach holiday in the Canary Islands—that’s more than enough for me. And watching football—that’s my great passion.
sv98.de: Are your grandchildren also Lilien fans?
Of course! They both wear the Lilien jersey. My grandson plays football himself, and my granddaughter wears hers with pride—even if that’s not always easy here in the Palatinate (laughs).
sv98.de: And finally: What was the most beautiful Lilien jersey for you?
I particularly liked the white pinstripe jersey with dark blue inserts white pinstripe jersey that we wore in the relegation match against Waldhof Mannheim. Simple, but special.
sv98.de: Thanks for your time and the interview, Freddy!
Merck Autograph Session: With Pfeiffer, Klefisch and Lakenmacher
Autographs, photos, and personal encounters with the Lilies: You'll have the opportunity to do so on Thursday (May 7th) from 5pm to 6pm. As part of an autograph session presented by Merck, Patric Pfeiffer, Kai Klefisch, and Fynn Lakenmacher will be at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. You'll also receive a ten percent discount in the fan shop during this time.
Disappointment & pride
Darmstadt's 2-1 defeat at Karlsruher SC also ended any remaining theoretical hopes the South Hessian club had of finishing the season in the top three. The loss at the Wildpark stadium served somewhat as a symbol for the past few weeks, during which SV 98 had only managed one point from five matches since the international break in March. Following the game on Sunday afternoon, the Darmstadt players addressed the assembled media representatives with mixed feelings.
Merx hat trick: U21 deservedly wins at Hünfelder SV
Three points! SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team secured a victory in the Lotto Hessenliga on Saturday afternoon (May 2nd). In their match against Hünfelder SV, the young Lilies overcame an early deficit to clinch a convincing 3-1 win. This result puts the U21 team currently outside the relegation zone. "Our trend is clearly upward," said a delighted U21 coach Sebastian Schmitt.
HBRS and SV 98: Cooperation extended indefinitely
The successful collaboration between the Hessian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (HBRS) and SV Darmstadt 98 will continue long-term: Both partners have extended their existing agreement to promote inclusive sports indefinitely. This sends a clear signal for the sustainable development of inclusion and disability sports in Hesse.
„We must take the lead in the first half.“
A bitter end in Karlsruhe: After 90 entertaining minutes in which both teams sought salvation in attack, Darmstadt suffered a narrow defeat. The final score was 2-1 after a late goal from the home side, following Isac Lidberg's earlier equaliser. After the match, the players were particularly frustrated with the missed opportunities in the first half.
Lilies lose in Karlsruhe
The away form continues to be poor: SV 98 suffered a 2-1 (0-0) defeat against Karlsruher SC. Lidberg scored the equaliser for the team from southern Hesse in the 70th minute.
Team News: Five Changes in the Team
Darmstadt 98 visit Karlsruher SC on matchday 32 (May 3rd, 1:30 PM). Florian Kohfeldt has made five changes to his starting lineup. Killian Corredor replaces the injured Fraser Hornby, Aleksandar Vukotic comes in for the suspended Patric Pfeiffer, and Fabian Holland starts in place of Matej Maglica, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Merveille Papela and Niklas Schmidt also join the team, replacing Sergio Lopez and Yosuke Furukawa. In addition to Hornby, Pfeiffer, and Maglica, Darmstadt will also be without the injured Matthias Bader, Fabian Nürnberger, and Luca Marseiler.
Matchday Guide: All Information before KSC Game
Finally, the weekend is here, finally Sunday! On Sunday afternoon (May 3rd, 1:30pm), SV Darmstadt 98 will face Karlsruher SC away. What do the two coaches have to say about the match, who will be refereeing, and where can you watch it if you're not at the stadium? All the important information about the Lilies' 32nd matchday is compiled for you here in "Matchday Guide".
Paul Fernie extends his contract long-term and moves up to a management position.
Continuity in sporting management: SV Darmstadt 98 has extended Paul Fernie's contract early and for the long term. As part of the contract extension, the current sporting director will move into the club's management board and will now serve as managing director of sport.
„You’ve seen horses vomit before.“
Our head coach spoke at the press conference before the away game against Karlsruher SC (May 3rd/1:30pm) about the mental freshness of his team, the course of action for the remaining games and his coaching colleague, whose commitment to KSC will end after six years this season.
Opposition Check: Karlsruher SC
Left hook, 'One hundred and eightyyyyyyy', and hand over the baton. Doesn't sound like football – and that's true. KSC is often associated with professional football, but with the sheer number of titles the club has won, it's worth looking beyond the pitch. Titles from Baden-Württemberg to Rome.
U21: A Herculean effort whilst down to 10 men wasn’t enough
In a rescheduled Lotto Hessenliga match, SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team hosted SV Hummetroth at their youth academy on Wednesday evening (April 29th) but unfortunately came away empty-handed. Despite a spirited performance and playing with one man less, the score after 90 minutes was 3-1 in favour of Hummetroth.