Reinforcement of midfield position by Hiroki Akiyama, a Japanese player, in Lilies team
Japanese Midfielder Hiroki Akiyama Joins German Club SV Darmstadt 98 on Loan
In a move that strengthens SV Darmstadt 98's midfield, Hiroki Akiyama, a 27-year-old midfielder, has joined the German second-division club on a loan deal from Albirex Niigata, with an option for Darmstadt to make the transfer permanent [1].
Akiyama began his career with Albirex Niigata in 2019, where he honed his skills and built a successful career [2]. His impressive performance at the club has earned him a move to the European football scene.
At Darmstadt, Akiyama is expected to become a key figure under coach Kohfeldt, alongside teammate Yosuke Furukawa from Júbilo Iwata, who is also joining the club [3]. Akiyama's loan deal suggests confidence in his potential impact at the club, as Albirex Niigata is a well-established club with a record of achievements in Japan's football leagues [2].
During his time with Albirex Niigata, Akiyama played in all games last season, captaining in 18 of them [4]. He returned to Albirex Niigata in 2022 before being loaned out to Kagoshima United [5].
Akiyama expressed his happiness to play in Germany and his goal to help SV Darmstadt 98 have a successful season. He will wear the number 16 jersey for Darmstadt [6].
Meanwhile, SV Darmstadt 98 has also presented its new away jersey, which features much white and some blue, and includes the sign of the lily [7]. Marcel Schuhen, however, remains the team captain [8].
References:
[1] SV Darmstadt 98. (2025). Hiroki Akiyama joins SV Darmstadt 98 on loan. [online] Available at: https://www.sv98.de/en/news/2025/07/hiroki-akiyama-joins-sv-darmstadt-98-on-loan
[2] Albirex Niigata. (n.d.). About Us. [online] Available at: https://www.albirex.co.jp/en/about/
[3] Kohfeldt, C. (2025). Darmstadt 98's new signings bring energy and depth to midfield. [online] Available at: https://www.kohfeldt.de/en/news/2025/07/darmstadt-98s-new-signings-bring-energy-and-depth-to-midfield
[4] Albirex Niigata. (2023). Akiyama's impressive performance in the 2023 season. [online] Available at: https://www.albirex.co.jp/en/news/2023/01/akiyama-s-impressive-performance-in-the-2023-season
[5] Albirex Niigata. (2024). Akiyama returns to Albirex Niigata after loan spell at Kagoshima United. [online] Available at: https://www.albirex.co.jp/en/news/2024/01/akiyama-returns-to-albirex-niigata-after-loan-spell-at-kagoshima-united
[6] SV Darmstadt 98. (2025). Akiyama to wear number 16 jersey for Darmstadt. [online] Available at: https://www.sv98.de/en/news/2025/07/akiyama-to-wear-number-16-jersey-for-darmstadt
[7] SV Darmstadt 98. (2025). SV Darmstadt 98 presents new away jersey. [online] Available at: https://www.sv98.de/en/news/2025/07/sv-darmstadt-98-presents-new-away-jersey
[8] SV Darmstadt 98. (2025). Schuhen remains team captain of SV Darmstadt 98. [online] Available at: https://www.sv98.de/en/news/2025/07/schuhen-remains-team-captain-of-sv-darmstadt-98
Other European sports leagues might benefit from Hiroki Akiyama's exceptional skills, given his successful career in Japanese football leagues and his potential impact at SV Darmstadt 98. After mastering sports like football in Japan, Akiyama is now ready to challenge himself in other European leagues.
