Holstein Kiel Holstein Kiel (full name: Kieler Sportvereinigung Holstein von 1900 e.V.) is a German football club based in Kiel, the capital of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, established on 7 October 1900 through the merger of two local sports associations. Although best known today as a second-tier side, the club ranked among the leading forces in German football during the early decades of the 20th century.
The club's greatest achievement remains winning the German football championship in 1912, just months after its new stadium had opened. Holstein Kiel also finished as national runners-up on two occasions, in 1910 and 1930, and before the introduction of the nationwide Bundesliga in 1963 it regularly competed at the top level of northern German football, claiming six regional championship titles.
The team is nicknamed Die Störche (The Storks), and its club colours are blue, white and red. Home matches are played at the Holstein-Stadion, opened in 1911 and now one of the oldest football grounds in Germany; it was partly destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in the following decades, with its stands modernised in phases, including in 2006 and 2019.
After decades in the lower divisions, the club made significant progress in the 21st century, rising through 3. Liga into 2. Bundesliga. This revival culminated in a historic promotion to the Bundesliga for the 2024–25 season — the club's first-ever appearance in the top flight since its creation in 1963. Holstein Kiel was relegated after a single season, returning to 2. Bundesliga.