Head Coach: Andre Breitenreiter

Hannoverscher Sportverein von 1896, Hannover 96, or simply HSV, is a German football club based in the city of Hanover, Lower Saxony. The club is part of the top tier in the German football league system, having claimed a promotion spot from the 2. Bundesliga, after finishing second in the 2016/17 season.

The club was founded on April 1896 and initially focused on athletics and rugby. While football was not part of their interest during the early stages, it was soon included in 1899. In 1913, the club matched with Ballverein 1898 Hannovera, and Hannoverscher BV to form Hannoverscher Sportverein 1896. After experiencing ups and downs in the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Hannover went on an impressive run that would win them their first DFB-Pokal title, which greatly helped with their finances.

Alongside Hannover 96’s DFB-Pokal title are two German championships earned in 1938 and 1954. The club’s number one rival is Eintracht Braunschweig, who currently plays in the 3. Liga.