The 2020–21 Holstein Kiel season was the club's 121st season in existence and the club's fourth consecutive season in the second flight of German football. In addition to the domestic league, Holstein Kiel participated in this season's edition of the DFB-Pokal. The season covered the period from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: The match was originally scheduled for 19 March 2021, but was postponed to 14 April 2021, because both teams were quarantined after players tested positive for COVID-19.[17] It was postponed again because Holstein Kiel was quarantined again after more players tested positive for COVID-19.[18][19]
As a result of their third place finish in the regular season, the club qualified for the play-off match with the 16th-place team in the 2020–21 Bundesliga to determine whether the club would be promoted to the 2021–22 Bundesliga.