Mainz 1905

The initial effort to create a football club in Mainz was originally begun in 1903, but it wasn’t until 1905 that the plans succeeded.

This success created 1. Mainzer Fussballclub Hassia 1905, and the club played in the South German Football League until they merged with FC Hermannia 07, and created the ‘new’ club 1. Mainzer Fussballverein Hassia 05. The club underwent another merger following World War I and again changed names, this time to 1. Mainzer Fußball- und Sportverein 05. The club picked up a number of regional championships between the wars, and even qualified for the national championships in 1921.

During the Nazi era in Germany, German football underwent a major transformation into a format with 16 first division leagues, one of which Mainz qualified for after winning their regional league two years in a row. Mainz struggled in this new division and was relegated after just one year. Due to financial difficulties the club was forced into a merger with Reichsbahn SV Mainz during WWII.

At the time of the Bundesliga’s founding in 1963, Mainz were a solid mid-table club in the South German Football League, but they were not offered a spot in the new Bundesliga. They remained in the second division for the majority of the next 40 years. The club also went through serious financial issues in the late 70s and early 80s, requiring them to withdraw from the second division and enter the amateur third division.

By the early 90s, Mainz had fought their way back to 2. Bundesliga, but narrowly avoided the relegation zone for a number of years. Things began to turn around and from 1997 to 2003, Mainz had 3 seasons where they finished in 4th, just outside of the promotion zone to the Bundesliga. In 2001, Mainz also promoted former player Jürgen Klopp (you may know him) to head coach, and under his watch Mainz finally achieved promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.

Mainz remained in the Bundesliga for the next three seasons and even qualified for the UEFA Cup during this time, as well. However, they were eventually relegated in 2007 and after failing to secure an immediate promotion back in 2008, Klopp left for Dortmund. Mainz did eventually make it back up in 2009, and they have remained in the Bundesliga ever since.

2023-24 SEASON: 13th in Bundesliga, DFB Pokal Round of 16

2024-25 SEASON: Bundesliga (Since 2009)

Mainz shares a local rivalry with both Eintracht Frankfurt and Kaiserslautern, recently they haven’t played Kaiserslautern much because they are in 2. Bundesliga. Neither seem to be a very hotly contested affair.

Mainz recently created their womens team in 2022 under the same name. During their first season, the club finished first in the Regionalliga Südwest but lost in the promotion play-off final. Check the club’s website for fixture information.

They have what seems a pretty standard German club anthem:

Mainz plays in the MEWA Arena, which was completed in 2011 and replaced the older and smaller Bruchwegstadion. The club decided on a new stadium following their promotion back to the Bundesliga to accommodate the larger home crowds.

TOURS: On weekends without home games. Check the club’s website to book ahead.

GETTING THERE: It’s a couple miles out from the city center and rail station, surrounded by farms. Take bus 54, 55 or 58 from the rail station, or look for shuttles on game days. Check the city’s public transit website for more.

PUBS AND GUB: Nothing out by the ground at all, so take care of this in the city center.

AROUND TOWN: Much of the old town was destroyed in World War II, but Mainz offers some museums and a cathedral of interest. Mainly it is known for its large Carnival celebration. It technically runs all winter but really culminates in the spring. Check the city’s official tourism website for more.