Hannover 96: The Historic Reds Eyeing a Bundesliga Return
HANOVER, 24 January 2026 – Founded in 1896, Hannover 96 is a cornerstone of German football, rich in tradition and defined by its powerful bond with the city and its fans. As the 2025-26 2. Bundesliga campaign reaches its midpoint, the Reds, under coach Christian Titz, find themselves in a promising position to challenge for promotion back to the top flight.
A Club Built on Community
Hannoverscher Sportverein von 1896, universally known as Hannover 96, was established on 12 April 1896. The club’s identity is inextricably linked to its motto, “Niemals Allein” (Never Alone), which reflects the profound unity between the team, its supporters, and the city of Hanover. This spirit has fuelled the club’s greatest achievements, including German championship titles in 1938 and 1954, and DFB-Pokal victory in 1992. The club also enjoyed memorable European campaigns in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Europa League seasons.
The 2025-26 Campaign: A Solid Foundation
Currently in their seventh consecutive season in the second division, Hannover 96 are positioned for a potential promotion push. Under the guidance of head coach Christian Titz, who joined from 1. FC Magdeburg in the summer of 2025, the team has displayed a possession-based, attacking style of football. The season’s statistics and league standing paint a picture of a competitive and well-organised side.
Key Facts & Figures: 2025-26 Season
| Metric | Statistic |
|---|---|
| League Position (as of 23 Jan) | 6th in 2. Bundesliga |
| Record (Pld-W-D-L) | 18 Matches, 8 Wins, 5 Draws, 5 Losses |
| Points | 29 |
| Goals Scored | 31 |
| Goals Conceded | 25 |
| Average Possession | 57% |
| Passing Accuracy | 86.5% |
| Head Coach | Christian Titz |
| Captain | Midfielder Enzo Leopold |
The Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena: A Modern Colosseum
The club’s home since 1959 is the iconic Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena, originally known as the Niedersachsenstadion. With a capacity of 49,000, it has hosted matches in the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1988. A major redevelopment in 2003-04 transformed it into a state-of-the-art, fully-covered football arena. In a move celebrated by fans, the club announced in 2025 that all seating will be replaced in 2026, with the new seats featuring the club’s traditional black, white, and green colours for the first time.
Squad Overview: A Blend of Experience and Youth
Sporting director Ralf Becker and managing director Jörg Schmadtke have assembled a squad mixing seasoned professionals with promising loan talent. Key figures include vice-captain and defender Virgil Ghiță, top attacking options like Benjamin Källman and Havard Nielsen, and loan talents such as midfielder Noël Aséko Nkili (Bayern Munich) and defender Hendry Blank (Red Bull Salzburg). The squad’s average age is 24.2 years, indicating a focus on development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Niemals Allein” mean?
It translates to “Never Alone” and is the official motto of Hannover 96. It symbolises the inseparable bond between the football club, the city of Hanover, and its passionate fanbase.
When did Hannover 96 last win a major trophy?
The club’s last major honour was the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) in 1992. Their last German championship was won in 1954.
What are Hannover 96’s colours?
The club’s traditional colours are black, white, and green. These colours will be prominently displayed in the new seating configuration at the Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena from 2026.
Who is Hannover 96’s biggest rival?
The most fierce rivalry is the Lower Saxony derby against nearby Eintracht Braunschweig, a match charged with regional pride and history.