Viborg FF
Viborg FF is a professional association football club based in Viborg, Denmark, founded on 1 April 1896 as one of the country's oldest football institutions.[1] The club, often abbreviated as VFF and nicknamed "De Grønne" (The Greens), competes in the Danish Superliga, the top division of Danish football, where it has established itself as a consistent mid-table presence since promotion in 2021, including an 8th-place finish in the 2024–25 season.[1][2] Playing home matches at Energi Viborg Arena—a modern stadium with a capacity of 9,566 seats rebuilt in 2007 on the site of the original 1931 venue—the team is known for its green kits and passionate local support in the Jutland region.[3] Historically, Viborg FF achieved early regional success by winning the Mesterrækken, Jutland's premier league at the time, in 1924, marking the club's first major sporting highlight.[4] After decades in lower divisions, the club rose to national prominence in the late 1990s, culminating in its sole major trophy: the Danish Cup in the 1999–2000 season, secured with a 1–0 victory over AaB in the final.[5] This triumph qualified Viborg for European competition, where in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup first round it drew 0–0 away to CSKA Moscow before winning 1–0 at home after extra time to advance on aggregate.[6] In recent years, Viborg FF has demonstrated resilience through multiple promotions from the 1st Division, winning the second-tier title in 1994–95, 2014–15, and 2020–21, the latter securing its current Superliga stint.[5] Under head coach Nickolai Lund since July 2025, the club has participated in UEFA Conference League qualifiers, including a 2022–23 playoff run ended by West Ham United, and maintains an active role in Danish youth development.[7][1] With a squad blending Danish talent and international players, Viborg FF continues to embody the competitive spirit of Jutland football.[1]History
Foundation and early years
Viborg Fodsports Forening was established on 1 April 1896 in Viborg, Denmark, as a multi-sport association encompassing disciplines such as athletics and wrestling, alongside other activities like gymnastics, cricket, boxing, and field hockey.[8] Initially, football was not a central focus, but the club gradually incorporated the sport into its offerings during the early 20th century, reflecting the growing popularity of organized team games in regional Denmark.[9] The club's football section achieved its first significant milestone in 1924 by winning the Jutland Football Championship, known as the Mesterrækken, which represented the premier competition on the Jutland peninsula at the time.[10] This victory marked an early highlight, demonstrating the team's competitive potential despite the club's broader sporting commitments. By 1929, the non-football branches were spun off into separate organizations, enabling Viborg FF to dedicate itself exclusively to football and commence participation in the structured Jutland series leagues.[11] In the pre-World War II era, Viborg FF operated under amateur regulations typical of Danish football, engaging primarily in regional and local tournaments that fostered community involvement. The team competed in Serie 1 during the 1939–40 season, though it finished at the bottom of the table amid the disruptions leading into the war.[12] After the war, during the 1940s, the club reorganized its operations to rebuild momentum, emphasizing stronger connections with the local Viborg community through youth development and grassroots participation while resuming competitive play in regional divisions.[12] This period laid the groundwork for sustained local engagement, as the club navigated post-war challenges to solidify its role as a cornerstone of Viborg's sporting culture.[9]Rise through Danish leagues
Viborg FF joined the Danish national league system in the early 1960s, making their debut in the 2nd Division during the 1962 season, where they finished 4th, followed by mid-table performances in subsequent years until relegation in 1966 after finishing 11th.[13] The club navigated lower divisions for over a decade before securing promotion to the 2nd Division as champions in 1980, marking a significant step toward national competitiveness.[13] This achievement propelled them to the top-tier 1st Division for the first time in 1981 under manager Jørgen Hugger, though they struggled, winning only three matches and finishing bottom, leading to immediate relegation.[14] Throughout the 1980s, Viborg FF experienced instability as a yo-yo club, with another promotion from the 2nd Division in 1989 after a runner-up finish, only to face relegation again from the 1st Division in 1990 by placing 14th.[13] A pivotal milestone arrived in the 1990–91 season when the club won the 2nd Division title, earning promotion to the inaugural Danish Superliga for 1991–92 and establishing a foothold in the professional top flight.[15]Modern era and European ventures
Viborg FF secured its first major national trophy by winning the 1999–2000 Danish Cup, defeating AaB 1–0 in the final on 1 June 2000, which also qualified the club for the 2000–01 UEFA Cup.[5] This victory marked a high point in the club's early modern era, following a period of consolidation in the Danish Superliga since their 1995 promotion, where they maintained top-flight status for over a decade with competitive finishes, including fourth place in the 2005–06 season.[16] The club experienced its first major setback with relegation from the Superliga at the end of the 2007–08 season, finishing 11th and losing the promotion/relegation playoff to Vejle BK.[16] Subsequent years saw Viborg become a yo-yo club, with promotions in 2013 and 2015 interspersed by quick returns to the 1st Division in 2014 and 2017. Viborg FF remained in the 1st Division after relegation from the Superliga at the end of the 2016–17 season, finishing second in 2019–20 and capturing the title in 2020–21 under manager Jacob Friis with a 21-point lead over second-placed AC Horsens, highlighted by prolific scoring from Sebastian Grønning (23 goals), to secure promotion back to the Superliga.[16][5] This success propelled them to a strong 2021–22 Superliga campaign, finishing fourth and earning a spot in European competition for the first time since 2003. In the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, Viborg advanced past FK Sūduva (2–1 aggregate) and B36 Tórshavn (4–1 aggregate) before being eliminated in the playoff round by West Ham United (1–6 aggregate), with losses of 3–1 away and 0–3 at home.[17] Recent seasons have presented challenges in maintaining consistency, with a mid-table eighth-place finish in the 2023–24 Superliga (40 points from 11 wins, 7 draws, and 14 losses) and again in 2024–25 (47 points from 12 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses). As of November 2025, in the ongoing 2025–26 Superliga, Viborg is in sixth position after 15 matches, reflecting continued efforts to build on their top-flight presence amid competitive pressures.[18][19][20] Post-2010, following near-bankruptcy in 2010 after the 2008 relegation's financial strain, Viborg underwent significant ownership changes to ensure stability.[21] In June 2021, a consortium led by Jesper Søgaard, Christian Kirk Rasmussen, and including Notts County owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz acquired a 70% majority stake for approximately 42.3 million Danish kroner (about £4.8 million), injecting capital for long-term growth.[22] This investment supported infrastructure enhancements, including upgrades to Viborg Stadion and training facilities, aligning with the club's ambitions for sustained Superliga competitiveness and youth development.[23]Club identity
Colours, badge, and kits
Viborg FF's primary colours are green and white, which have been the club's traditional palette since its early years in the 20th century.[24] Green symbolizes growth, vitality, and renewal, while white represents purity and unity.[25] The current club badge features a stylized design incorporating the initials "VFF" within a green and white shield-like emblem, often including a circular motif with stripes that evoke a football and elements of luck such as a shamrock, reflecting the club's Danish roots.[26] This badge has evolved over time from simpler insignias to more detailed crests that emphasize the club's identity and history.[25] The club's kits have consistently centered on the green and white scheme, with the home kit typically consisting of a green jersey paired with white shorts and socks.[27] Away kits have varied, including all-white designs for contrast and occasional green-black combinations to maintain the core palette while adapting to opponents' colours.[28] Kit suppliers have shifted over the decades, with hummel providing apparel from 1993 to 1999, followed by periods with Umbro, Puma, Kappa, Nike until 2022, and Capelli Sport as the current manufacturer since then.[28] As of 2025, the primary kit sponsor is Peter Larsen Kaffe, appearing on the front of jerseys like the 2025-26 home kit, which features iconic green stripes as a nod to the club's heritage.[29]Stadium and facilities
Energi Viborg Arena serves as the home ground for Viborg FF, located in the city of Viborg, Denmark. Originally constructed in 1931 as Viborg Stadion, the venue was demolished and rebuilt between 2001 and 2007 at a cost of 62.1 million Danish kroner (equivalent to 93.8 million DKK in 2023 values), transforming it into a modern football facility. The stadium received upgrades in 2008, including two large screens, and further renovations in 2021. The stadium features a grass pitch measuring 105 by 68 meters and has a fixed seated capacity of 9,566, which can be expanded to approximately 10,000 spectators by utilizing additional standing areas for select events. Owned by Viborg Municipality, the arena acquired its current name through a sponsorship agreement with local energy company Energi Viborg in October 2011, with naming rights running until 2027. As part of the broader Viborg Stadion Center complex, Energi Viborg Arena includes dedicated training grounds for the club's players, supporting daily practice sessions and youth development activities. The venue also offers conference facilities and meeting spaces suitable for corporate events and club-related functions, enhancing its utility beyond football. Compliant with UEFA infrastructure regulations, the stadium has hosted European club competitions, such as Viborg FF's UEFA Europa Conference League play-off matches against West Ham United in 2022. In addition to club fixtures, Energi Viborg Arena has played a significant role in national and international events. It served as a primary home venue for the Danish women's national football team from 2015 to 2024, accommodating numerous international matches. The arena regularly hosts non-football events, including open-air concerts, contributing to its status as a multifunctional community hub in central Jutland.Community and support
Supporters and fan groups
Viborg FF's fanbase is predominantly drawn from the local population of Viborg, a city of approximately 42,000 in Central Jutland, Denmark, along with supporters from surrounding rural areas in the region. This close-knit community reflects the club's roots as a regional powerhouse, with fans emphasizing their identity as the "true" representatives of Midtjylland football culture. Average home attendance in the Danish Superliga for the 2025–26 season stands at around 6,300 spectators (as of November 2025), underscoring steady but modest support typical of mid-tier clubs in the competition.[30][30] The club has historically been supported by organized fan groups, including the official fan club The Green Pride, which was active in the 2010s, officially closed in June 2024, and participated in broader European fan initiatives. A smaller continuation of this group remains involved in supporter activities today. Complementing this, the informal ultras collective Shamrock Ultras, founded in 2004, provides dedicated matchday atmosphere through coordinated efforts in the south stand of Energi Viborg Arena. These groups foster a passionate yet family-friendly environment, aligning with Denmark's moderate ultras culture that promotes positive fan engagement.[31][32] Fan traditions revolve around vocal support and visual displays, with signature chants and songs like "Grøn Magi"—a club anthem composed by local musician Mads Pugholm Pedersen—serving as rallying cries during matches. Supporters are renowned for elaborate tifo displays at high-stakes games, such as derbies, where large banners and pyrotechnics create immersive spectacles to boost team morale. Attendance tends to peak during European campaigns; for instance, home qualifiers in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League averaged 6,255 fans, surpassing regular league figures and highlighting heightened excitement for continental ventures.[33][34][35] In recent years, Viborg FF fans have embraced modern community engagement through social media, where the club maintains an active presence across platforms to connect with a broader audience and promote initiatives like youth outreach and matchday events. This digital shift has helped sustain interest beyond local boundaries, contributing to growing online interaction during key periods like European runs.[36]Rivalries and derbies
Viborg FF's primary rivalry is with FC Midtjylland, known as the Central Jutland Derby or the Battle of the Heath, stemming from the clubs' geographic proximity in central Jutland, approximately 45 kilometers apart.[37] This competition has intensified since the early 2000s following FC Midtjylland's establishment in 1999 and their entry into the Danish Superliga, where both teams have frequently vied for league positions and titles, with Midtjylland securing multiple championships while Viborg has challenged as a consistent mid-table contender.[38] The rivalry, sometimes dubbed the Battle of Hatred, reflects deeper regional tensions, as Viborg supporters view Midtjylland—based in Herning—as representing West Jutland rather than true central Jutland, emphasizing Viborg's historical and cultural claims tied to Viking heritage and its cathedral.[37] Other notable derbies include matches against AGF Aarhus, often framed as an East Jutland rivalry due to the clubs' positions in the peninsula's eastern and central areas, fostering a broader Jutland Classic dynamic among regional powerhouses.[37] Historically, Viborg has also clashed intensely with Silkeborg IF in what is occasionally referred to as part of the Battle of Central Jutland, given Silkeborg's location in the same region and the teams' long-standing league encounters since the 1980s. These fixtures, while less vitriolic than the Midtjylland derby, contribute to Jutland's intra-regional football narrative. Key matches underscore the intensity, such as the 2022 Danish Cup quarterfinal where Viborg defeated Midtjylland 3-1 at home, marked by competitive play and goals from Mads Søndergaard and others, advancing Viborg toward the semifinals.[39] The rivalry's cultural significance is evident in boosted attendances during derbies, like the September 20, 2025, Superliga encounter at MCH Arena, which drew 11,440 spectators and was described in media as a heated affair, with Midtjylland securing a 2-0 victory via late goals from Phillip Billing and Cho Gue-sung.[40] Such games, often covered as emblematic of Jutland's football "wars," enhance fan engagement and local media interest across the region.[41] As of November 2025, the tension with Midtjylland persists amid ongoing Superliga competition, with an upcoming December 7 fixture at Energi Viborg Arena anticipated to draw significant crowds and continue the derby tradition.[42]Team and personnel
First-team squad
As of November 2025, Viborg FF's first-team squad for the 2025–26 Danish Superliga season comprises 24 players, with an average age of 23.8 years and 11 foreign nationals representing 45.8% of the roster. The team is captained by veteran Danish midfielder Jeppe Grønning, a club stalwart since 2012 who provides leadership and defensive stability in midfield.[43] Key figures include goalkeeper Lucas Lund, who anchors the defense, and emerging talents like defender Daniel Anyembe, contributing to a balanced mix of experience and youth aimed at maintaining competitiveness in the Superliga.[44] The squad is structured across positions as follows, emphasizing defensive solidity with eight dedicated defenders, a versatile midfield core, and a forward line bolstered by recent international additions. Goalkeepers include Lucas Lund (Denmark, 25) as the primary starter and Filip Djukic (Montenegro/Denmark, 26), who joined from AC Horsens in summer 2025 to provide depth.[44] The defensive unit features centre-backs Daniel Anyembe (Kenya/Denmark, 27), Zan Zaletel (Slovenia, 26), Stipe Radic (Croatia, 25), and Lukas Kirkegaard (Denmark, 20), alongside full-backs Oliver Bundgaard (Denmark, 24), Srdjan Kuzmic (Slovenia, 21), Jean-Manuel Mbom (Germany/Cameroon, 25), Hjalte Bidstrup (Denmark, 19), and new signing Mikkel Løndal (Denmark, 19, right-back promoted from the U19s).[44] Midfielders are led by captain Jeppe Grønning (Denmark, 34, defensive midfielder, contract extended through 2026), with support from Mees Hoedemakers (Netherlands, 27, defensive midfielder, summer 2025 signing from NEC Nijmegen), Mads Søndergaard (Denmark, 22, central midfielder), Jakob Vester (Denmark, 20, central midfielder), Asker Beck (Denmark, 22, central midfielder), Frederik Damkjer (Denmark, 18, central midfielder, U19 promotion), and Thomas Jørgensen (Denmark, 20, central midfielder).[44][45] Forwards consist of Yonis Njoh (France/Cameroon, 21, left winger, summer 2025 signing from Pau FC), Charly Nouck (Denmark/Cameroon, 21, left winger), Sami Jalal (Denmark/Tunisia, 21, left winger, summer 2025 signing from Kolding IF), Bilal Brahimi (France/Morocco, 25, right winger, summer 2025 signing from SM Caen), Tim Freriks (Netherlands, 27, centre-forward, summer 2025 signing from Esbjerg fB), and Dorian Hanza (Equatorial Guinea/Spain, 24, centre-forward, summer 2025 signing from Marbella FC).[44][45][46]| No. | Position | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Lucas Lund | Denmark | 25 |
| 16 | GK | Filip Djukic | Montenegro/Denmark | 26 |
| 24 | CB | Daniel Anyembe | Kenya/Denmark | 27 |
| 5 | CB | Zan Zaletel | Slovenia | 26 |
| 55 | CB | Stipe Radic | Croatia | 25 |
| 32 | CB | Lukas Kirkegaard | Denmark | 20 |
| 23 | LB | Oliver Bundgaard | Denmark | 24 |
| 30 | RB | Srdjan Kuzmic | Slovenia | 21 |
| 18 | RB | Jean-Manuel Mbom | Germany/Cameroon | 25 |
| 26 | RB | Hjalte Bidstrup | Denmark | 19 |
| 31 | RB | Mikkel Løndal | Denmark | 19 |
| 4 | DM | Mees Hoedemakers | Netherlands | 27 |
| 13 | DM | Jeppe Grønning (Captain) | Denmark | 34 |
| 10 | CM | Thomas Jørgensen | Denmark | 20 |
| 37 | CM | Jakob Vester | Denmark | 20 |
| 6 | CM | Mads Søndergaard | Denmark | 22 |
| 8 | CM | Asker Beck | Denmark | 22 |
| 33 | CM | Frederik Damkjer | Denmark | 18 |
| 7 | LW | Yonis Njoh | France/Cameroon | 21 |
| 11 | LW | Charly Nouck | Denmark/Cameroon | 21 |
| 29 | LW | Sami Jalal | Denmark/Tunisia | 21 |
| 21 | RW | Bilal Brahimi | France/Morocco | 25 |
| 9 | CF | Tim Freriks | Netherlands | 27 |
| 19 | CF | Dorian Hanza | Equatorial Guinea/Spain | 24 |
Coaching staff and management
Nickolai Lund serves as the head coach of Viborg FF, having been appointed on July 24, 2025, with a contract extending until June 30, 2028.[49] Prior to this role, Lund held various assistant coaching positions within the club and led the academy side Team Viborg from 2012 to 2015.[50] His promotion followed a brief interim stint after the departure of previous head coach Jakob Poulsen in June 2025. The coaching staff under Lund includes assistant managers Ralf Pedersen (appointed April 1, 2024), Martin Thomsen (July 28, 2025), and Theis Larsen (August 4, 2025).[49] Kresten Vedstesen has been the goalkeeping coach since August 1, 2020.[49] The fitness and performance team comprises Mathias Marker as fitness coach (since July 1, 2023) and Tobias Elstrup as performance manager (July 1, 2025).[49] Jacob Friis, who managed the team from February 2022 to November 2023, continues to influence tactical approaches through his prior emphasis on structured play.[51] Viborg FF's management structure features Mads Agesen as sporting director since March 12, 2023, and Morten Jensen as director of football since August 1, 1999.[49] The club is primarily owned by an investment group that acquired a 70% majority stake in June 2021, led by Jesper Søgaard and Christian Kirk Rasmussen, with involvement from figures like the Reedtz brothers.[22] This investor-led model has provided financial stability, though the board maintained continuity following CEO Søren Nielsen's departure in October 2025 without immediate replacement.[52][53] Since the 1990s, Viborg FF has seen over 20 head coaches, reflecting frequent transitions amid league promotions and relegations.[54] Notable long tenures include Ove Christensen from July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2006, during which the club achieved promotion to the Superliga.[55] Recent changes emphasize stability for the 2025-26 season, with Lund's internal promotion addressing the post-2024-25 vacancy left by Poulsen's move to AGF.[51]Youth academy and development
The youth academy of Viborg FF, known as FK Viborg, was established in 2002 as a collaborative superstructure incorporating the top youth teams from Viborg FF and several local clubs including Overlund GF, Viborg B67, Viborg Søndermarken IK, Viborg Nørremarken, and Houlkær IF, aimed at centralizing talent development in the region.[4] This structure allows for a focused pathway for young players from early ages, with the academy currently operating competitive teams in categories such as U17 and U19 for the 2025-26 season, participating in national youth leagues organized by the Danish Football Association (DBU). The U19 team is currently 6th in the U19 Boys Division with 23 points from 11 matches.[56] The academy's key facilities are integrated with the club's main training complex adjacent to Energi Viborg Arena, providing access to multiple pitches, gymnasiums, and recovery areas that support daily training sessions and match preparations for youth squads.[3] This setup emphasizes a holistic development approach, prioritizing local talent identification through a scouting network spanning Jutland to nurture players from nearby communities while fostering partnerships with the DBU for coaching certifications and talent programs.[57] Notable alumni from the academy include defender Erik Sviatchenko, who progressed through the youth ranks in the mid-2000s and went on to earn over 200 Superliga appearances, play for clubs like Celtic FC and FC Midtjylland, and represent the Danish national team internationally.[58] In recent seasons, the academy has successfully integrated 2-3 graduates into the first team annually, with several youth players making their senior debuts during the 2025-26 campaign, highlighting the pathway's effectiveness. Notable current prospects include midfielder Carl Christensen (born 2006) and forward Adam Kleis-Kristoffersen (born 2008). The development philosophy centers on building technical skills, tactical awareness, and personal growth from a young age, with an emphasis on integrating academy players into senior training environments to bridge the gap to professional football.[57] Achievements include multiple youth titles, such as the U19 Boys Division championship wins in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, underscoring the academy's competitive standing in Danish youth football.[59]Achievements and records
Domestic honours
Viborg FF has achieved limited success in Danish domestic competitions, with one major national trophy, one Super Cup, and several second-tier titles marking their highlights. The club's most significant accomplishment came in the 1999–2000 season when they won the Danish Cup, defeating AaB 1–0 in the final on 1 June 2000 at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, securing their first and only national cup title to date. This victory, scored by Hans Eklund in the 8th minute, represented a breakthrough after over a century of existence and elevated the club's status, qualifying them for European competition the following season.[60][61] In 2000, Viborg also won the Danish Super Cup, defeating league champions Herfølge Boldklub on penalties following a 1–1 draw. In league play, Viborg FF has never won the Danish Superliga, the top flight, but has claimed the 1st Division (second tier) five times: 1991–92, 1994–95, 1998–99, 2012–13, 2014–15, and 2020–21, each earning direct promotion to the Superliga. The 2020–21 title saw them finish atop the table with 62 points from 32 matches, including 19 wins. The 2014–15 title ended with 68 points and a nine-point lead over runners-up Vendsyssel FF, while the 1998–99 success marked another return to the top flight. The 1994–95 triumph under Poul Hansen also secured promotion after a long absence. Additional promotions occurred via playoffs in other seasons, such as 1977 to the 1st Division following regional success.[15] Prior to the national league system's establishment in 1950, Viborg FF enjoyed regional dominance in Jutland, winning the Mesterrækken—the premier Jutland championship—in the 1923–24 season, defeating rivals like Aarhus GF to claim the title. Other pre-1950 Jutland successes included series wins in the 1910s and 1930s, contributing to their early reputation as a provincial powerhouse before integration into the nationwide structure. These early honours laid the foundation for the club's development but were overshadowed by decades in lower divisions until the late 1990s resurgence.[61][62] Notable top-flight performances include a fourth-place finish in the Superliga during the 2005–06 season, yielding 54 points from 33 matches and establishing the club as a competitive mid-table side. In the 2022–23 season, they achieved a third-place standing in the regular Superliga phase before finishing fourth overall with 51 points, their best post-2000 league result, highlighting improved stability. Overall, Viborg FF's domestic tally stands at one Danish Cup, one Danish Super Cup, five 1st Division titles, and multiple regional championships pre-1950, underscoring a journey from regional contender to consistent Superliga participant without top-tier silverware as of 2025.[63]European competitions
Viborg FF has made two appearances in UEFA club competitions, both resulting in early eliminations despite competitive showings in qualifying rounds. The club's debut came in the 2000–01 UEFA Cup, where they reached the second round before falling to the away goals rule. Their most recent involvement was in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League, entering as Danish Cup winners and progressing through two qualifying rounds before a heavy play-off defeat.[64] In the 2000–01 UEFA Cup first round, Viborg faced PFC CSKA Moskva of Russia. The away leg in Moscow ended in a 0–0 draw on 14 September 2000, with Viborg's defense holding firm against the hosts. In the return leg on 26 September at Silkeborg Stadium, Viborg secured a 1–0 victory after extra time, with Klaus Kærgaard scoring the decisive goal in the 100th minute, advancing on a 1–0 aggregate.[65] This marked the club's first win in European competition and highlighted their resilience under manager Poul Hansen. Advancing to the second round, Viborg drew Spanish side Rayo Vallecano. The first leg on 26 October in Madrid resulted in a 0–1 loss, with Dimitri Radchenko scoring for the hosts in the 72nd minute. Viborg responded in the home leg on 9 November, winning 2–1 through goals from Heine Fernandez (30' and 73'), but the aggregate ended 2–2, and Rayo progressed on away goals.[66] Key contributors included goalkeeper Peter Kjaer, who made crucial saves across the ties, and the team's counter-attacking style that yielded three goals in four matches. Over two decades later, Viborg returned to European action in the 2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League, qualifying directly to the second qualifying round as 2021–22 Danish Cup champions.[67] They met Lithuanian champions FK Sūduva, with the away first leg on 21 July ending 0–1 via Sofus Berger's goal. The home leg on 28 July was a 1–0 victory, with Ibrahim Said's 1st-minute strike securing a 2–0 aggregate and clean sheets in the return leg under manager Jakob Poulsen.[68] In the third qualifying round, Viborg faced Faroe Islands champions B36 Tórshavn. The away first leg on 4 August ended 2–1, with Mortimer and Alassana Jatta scoring in the second half to overturn an early deficit.[69] The home leg on 11 August was a dominant 3–0 win, featuring goals from Clint Leemans, Marokhy Ndione (twice), and a strong defensive performance that limited B36 to no shots on target, advancing 5–1 on aggregate. The play-off round pitted Viborg against English Premier League side West Ham United. In the first leg away on 18 August, Viborg lost 1–3 at the London Stadium, with Renato Júnior netting a consolation goal in the 82nd minute after strikes from Gianluca Scamacca, Jarrod Bowen, and Danny Ings. The return leg on 25 August at Viborg Stadion was a 0–3 defeat, with goals from Scamacca (twice) and Bowen sealing a 1–6 aggregate elimination and ending their campaign before the league phase.[17] Renato Júnior's goal stood out as Viborg's only score in the knockouts, underscoring the challenge of facing higher-caliber opposition. Across their eight European matches, Viborg recorded 6 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 11 goals and conceding 9, with all victories coming in qualifying ties.[70] The club failed to score in three of the four knockout legs, reflecting offensive struggles against stronger defenses.[64] As of November 2025, Viborg have not qualified for further UEFA competitions, having finished outside the top six in the Danish Superliga for the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons and exiting early in domestic cups.[71]Season-by-season results
Viborg FF entered the Danish national league system in the 1954–55 season, debuting in the 2nd Division with a 5th-place finish. The club navigated several promotion and relegation cycles in the lower divisions during the mid-20th century, achieving six promotions overall since 1954, which facilitated their ascent to higher tiers. Their breakthrough to the top flight came in the 1993–94 season following promotion from the 1st Division. As of 2025, Viborg has competed in 22 Superliga seasons, accumulating a win percentage of approximately 32% in top-tier matches. The table below details their performances in the Superliga and 1st Division from 1993–94 onward, including positions, points where available, and key notes on promotions, relegations, and notable cup runs.[15][72]| Season | League | Position | Points | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993–94 | Superliga | 10th | 27 | Relegated after playoff; Danish Cup quarterfinals.[15] |
| 1994–95 | 1st Division | 1st | 51 | Promoted as champions to Superliga; Danish Cup round of 16.[15] |
| 1995–96 | Superliga | 9th | 31 | Danish Cup round of 16.[15] |
| 1996–97 | 1st Division | 4th | 42 | Danish Cup quarterfinals.[15] |
| 1997–98 | 1st Division | 3rd | 45 | Danish Cup round of 16.[15] |
| 1998–99 | 1st Division | 1st | 58 | Promoted as champions to Superliga; Danish Cup semifinals.[15] |
| 1999–00 | Superliga | 8th | 35 | Won Danish Cup (1–0 vs. AaB); qualified for UEFA Cup.[5][73] |
| 2000–01 | Superliga | 11th | 29 | UEFA Cup second round; Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2001–02 | Superliga | 6th | 41 | Danish Cup round of 16.[72] |
| 2002–03 | Superliga | 6th | 43 | Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2003–04 | Superliga | 7th | 42 | Danish Cup round of 16.[72] |
| 2004–05 | Superliga | 7th | 48 | Danish Cup semifinals.[72] |
| 2005–06 | Superliga | 4th | 54 | Best Superliga finish; Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2006–07 | Superliga | 9th | 29 | Danish Cup round of 16.[72] |
| 2007–08 | Superliga | 11th | 20 | Relegated; Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2012–13 | 1st Division | 1st | 66 | Promoted as champions to Superliga.[15] |
| 2013–14 | Superliga | 12th | 28 | Relegated; Danish Cup round of 16.[72] |
| 2014–15 | 1st Division | 1st | 68 | Promoted as champions to Superliga.[15] |
| 2015–16 | Superliga | 8th | 40 | Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2016–17 | Superliga | 12th | 33 | Relegation playoff win to stay up; Danish Cup round of 16.[72] |
| 2020–21 | 1st Division | 1st | 62 | Promoted as champions to Superliga.[15] |
| 2021–22 | Superliga | 7th | 44 | Danish Cup semifinals; won Danish Cup.[72] |
| 2022–23 | Superliga | 4th | 51 | Qualified for Conference League; Danish Cup quarterfinals.[72] |
| 2023–24 | Superliga | 9th | 40 | Narrowly avoided relegation playoffs; Danish Cup round of 16.[15] |
| 2024–25 | Superliga | 8th | 47 | Solid mid-table finish; Danish Cup quarterfinal exit.[72] |
| 2025–26 | Superliga | 6th* | 19* | Ongoing season; as of November 16, 2025 (6 wins, 1 draw, 8 losses). |