FSV Mainz 05 is a Bundesliga staple and has started the 2026/27 season with a strong defensive record of five goals scored and none conceded after two matchdays. The club from the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate currently sits in fifth place with four points. This information provides a comprehensive look at the history and achievements of the 05ers.
The club was founded on 16 March 1905 at Café Neuf in Mainz. It was originally named 1. Mainzer Fussballclub Hassia 1905. After a merger in 1912, it became 1. FC Hassia-Hermania 05, later renamed 1. Fußballverein Mainz 05. For decades, the club played in the lower leagues until the 1990s, when tactical innovator Wolfgang Frank introduced a flat back four and zonal marking. This era laid the groundwork for the later rise.
Jürgen Klopp, first as a player and later as a manager, became the key figure. He led Mainz 05 to their first-ever Bundesliga promotion in the 2003/04 season with just 54 points, the lowest tally for a promoted side at that time. After three years, relegation followed, but Klopp's farewell in 2008 showed the fans' devotion, with around 15,000 supporters turning out to say goodbye. Promotion back to the top flight was achieved in 2009.
Despite lacking major national trophies, Mainz 05 can look back on notable successes. Their best Bundesliga finish was fifth place in the 2010/11 season under Thomas Tuchel. This achievement brought their first Europa League qualification. Another highlight was the sixth-place finish in 2015/16, which secured a second Europa League campaign. In the DFB-Pokal, the club reached the semi-finals in 2009.
Their European adventures include the UEFA Cup in 2005/06, the Europa League in 2011/12 and 2016/17, and most recently the Conference League in 2025/26. Players like André Schürrle, Lewis Holtby, and Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki became fan favourites during these periods. In the current season, Mainz is just two points behind league leaders FC Augsburg.
Under Swiss coach Urs Fischer, Mainz 05 has begun the campaign with a flawless defensive record. However, the squad is dealing with several absences. The current injuries list shows Dominik Kohr, Eric Martel, goalkeeper Robin Zentner, Silas, and captain Silvan Widmer are currently sidelined. These personnel shortages present a challenge for the coming weeks.
The club's home since July 2011 has been the MEWA Arena in the Bretzenheim district. The stadium has a capacity of 33,305 and replaced the traditional but smaller Bruchwegstadion. The club had around 30,000 members as of March 2026 and continues to build on homegrown talents like Jonathan Burkardt as well as experienced signings like Nadiem Amiri.
The next test awaits on 12 September 2026. Mainz 05 will then host local rivals Eintracht Frankfurt, who are currently in 13th place. All upcoming fixtures are listed in the fixtures schedule. A victory in this derby could provide further momentum for the 05ers in a demanding season where they have already proven tough to beat.
