Holstein Kiel
The Storks have arrived. In 2024, Holstein Kiel made history by earning promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's existence — a moment celebrated by an entire city on the Baltic coast with tears of joy.
Holstein Kiel's promotion to the Bundesliga in 2024 was the defining moment in the club's 124-year history. Based in the city of Kiel on Germany's Baltic coast — better known for its naval history and sailing regattas than for football — the Storks climbed through the German football pyramid to reach the top flight for the very first time. When promotion was confirmed, the scenes at the Holstein-Stadion were extraordinary. Players and supporters alike were overcome with emotion.
The club's compact Holstein-Stadion, with a capacity of just 15,034, became the smallest ground in Bundesliga history when the top-flight campaign began. That intimate atmosphere has been one of the highlights of the season — visiting clubs arrive expecting a formality and frequently leave having experienced one of the most intense atmospheres in German football. Kiel's players, many of whom rose through the lower divisions themselves, fight for every point with a ferocity that reflects the magnitude of the achievement.
Survival in the Bundesliga is the primary objective in 2025-26. But this is a club writing history with every game they play at the top level, and every point earned is a testament to the quality of their squad, the work of their coaching staff and the belief of a city that dreamed of this moment for generations.
The Kiel Story
Historic Promotion
Kiel's promotion from the 2. Bundesliga in 2024 was achieved through a combination of collective team spirit, tactical organisation and performances that belied the club's modest resources. A moment that will live in Baltic football folklore.
The Smallest Ground
The Holstein-Stadion's 15,034 capacity made it the smallest in Bundesliga history. Far from a disadvantage, the tight, noisy ground has proven a genuine fortress — visiting sides have found it deeply uncomfortable to play in.
Baltic Coast Pride
Kiel is a city defined by its connection to the sea. The club's rise to the Bundesliga has given the city a new focus for civic pride — the Storks are ambassadors for an entire region that has waited generations for this moment.