On May 2, 2026, Schalke 04 celebrated their return to the Bundesliga with a decisive home victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf, marking a significant turnaround after years of struggle.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Schalke secured automatic promotion back to the Bundesliga by defeating Düsseldorf 1-0. Kenan Karaman scored the only goal in the 15th minute, solidifying his role as a key player this season.
This victory was not just a one-off; it extended Schalke’s unbeaten league run to twelve games. Their home form has been impressive, with only one defeat at home this season—a stark contrast to previous years.
Frank Baumann, who joined Schalke as the club’s administrative top boss last spring, and Miron Muslic, appointed head coach, have played pivotal roles in this resurgence. Muslic transformed a team that had been in crisis into strong contenders for promotion.
Karaman expressed his joy after the match: “We waited a long time for this moment… I’m just happy that we could take the final step at home because the fans deserve it.” His sentiments resonate deeply within a city that has faced its share of challenges.
The win over Düsseldorf was Schalke’s fifth consecutive victory, and they are well-placed to clinch the second division title ahead of Paderborn. This marks a remarkable recovery since their relegation from the Bundesliga during the disastrous 2020/21 campaign.
Edin Džeko’s return in January has also bolstered Schalke’s attack—he contributed six goals in nine league appearances. This kind of depth in talent is crucial as they prepare to reestablish themselves among Germany’s elite.
The atmosphere at the Veltins Arena was electric, with an attendance of over 61,000 fans witnessing this pivotal moment for Schalke. Timo Becker summed up the importance of this achievement: “Nothing is more important than bringing this club back to where it belongs.” Indeed, many share this sentiment.
As Schalke looks forward to next season in the Bundesliga, they carry with them not just hope but tangible momentum built on recent successes.