Holstein Kiel is a historic German football club based in the city of Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, currently competing in the 2. Bundesliga. The club, founded in 1900, plays its home matches at the Holstein-Stadion. Known as "Die Störche" (The Storks), their colors are blue, red, and white. Holstein Kiel has a rich history, including being German champions in 1912. In the modern era, they have established themselves as a strong second-division side, often playing an attractive, forward-thinking style of football under coaches like Ole Werner. They famously reached the DFB-Pokal semifinal in the 2020-21 season and have come agonizingly close to Bundesliga promotion on several recent occasions, including through the promotion playoffs. The club is a focal point for football in northern Germany and continues to push for a return to the top flight after decades away.