Terem Moffi joins Hamburg – 5 interesting facts about the Bundesliga giants

Terem Moffi has joined Hamburger SV, giving the Super Eagles striker the opportunity to revive his career at one of Germany’s most historic clubs, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 27-year-old completed a permanent move from OGC Nice today, signing for the Bundesliga club after spending the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese champions FC Porto.

Moffi becomes the latest Nigerian to wear the famous HSV shirt, joining compatriots including Jordan Torunarigha and Philip Otele.

However, while Moffi’s move is another chapter in his career, his new club has a history that stretches far beyond its recent years outside Germany’s top flight.

Here are five interesting facts about Hamburger SV.

1. HSV was founded in 1887

Hamburger SV’s official history dates its foundation to 29 September 1887, giving the club more than 135 years of history.

The date comes from the merger and heritage of several Hamburg clubs, most notably SC Germania von 1887. The club’s famous blue-white-black diamond logo has also been part of its identity since 1919.

HSV’s long history is one reason the club continues to carry enormous prestige in German football despite spending seven seasons in the second tier.

2. They were the Bundesliga’s original ‘Dino’

Perhaps the most famous fact about HSV is their extraordinary longevity in Germany’s top division.

Hamburg were among the founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963 and remained in the division continuously for 55 seasons.

That run finally ended in 2018 when HSV were relegated, bringing an end to their status as the Bundesliga’s only ever-present club.

The nickname ‘Bundesliga-Dino’ — the Bundesliga dinosaur, was born from that remarkable longevity. HSV eventually returned to the top flight in 2025 after seven years away.

3. They have won six Bundesliga titles

Hamburg are not simply a historic club; they are one of Germany’s most successful.

HSV have won the German championship six times, with their titles coming in 1923, 1928, 1960, 1979, 1982 and 1983.

Their most successful period came around the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the club established itself as one of Europe’s strongest teams.

That era produced legendary figures such as Uwe Seeler, Kevin Keegan, Horst Hrubesch and Felix Magath.

Their six Bundesliga wins makes them the 5th most-successful German team behind FC Schalke 04 (7), Borussia Dortmund (8), FC Nurnberg (9), and Bayern Munich (35).

4. HSV are European champions

Moffi has not merely joined a former Bundesliga champion. He has joined a European Cup-winning club.

Hamburg’s greatest achievement came in 1983 when they defeated Juventus 1-0 in Athens to win the European Cup, the predecessor of today’s Champions League.

Felix Magath scored the only goal of the final after just eight minutes, while goalkeeper Uli Stein helped HSV withstand Juventus’ pressure to secure the biggest trophy in the club’s history.

HSV had also won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977, giving them two major European trophies.

5. Uwe Seeler is the club’s record goalscorer

The legendary German striker remains HSV’s all-time leading scorer with 137 Bundesliga goals.

Seeler’s importance to Hamburg goes beyond statistics. He became one of the defining figures in the club’s history and helped HSV win the German championship in 1960.

His legacy is so deeply embedded in the club that a giant statue of his famous right foot stands outside the Volksparkstadion.

A big opportunity for Terem Moffi

Moffi’s arrival therefore is an opportunity to write his own chapter at a club with considerably more history than its recent Bundesliga absence might suggest.

The Nigerian arrives with 24 goals in 72 appearances for Nice, six goals in 23 senior appearances for Nigeria and experience in several European leagues.

Now, he has the chance to add his name to the story of the Bundesliga-Dino.