FSV Mainz 05

Founded in 1905, Mainz 05 represent the Rhineland-Palatinate capital and are closely connected to the city's carnival culture. Known as Die Nullfuenfer, or the 05ers, they play in red and white and retain strong roots around the historic Bruchweg ground. Senior home matches moved in 2011 to the Mewa Arena, a purpose-built stadium on the western edge of Mainz designed with steep, single-tier stands.

Mainz won the Regionalliga Suedwest in 1973 and became German amateur champions in 1982. The club's modern football identity was shaped by Wolfgang Frank, whose zonal defending and pressing ideas influenced long-serving player and later coach Juergen Klopp. Promotion to the Bundesliga in 2004 established Mainz's reputation for collective intensity, tactical clarity and developing coaches and players rather than relying on established stars.