Nine of the team members were so extensively injured that they were taken to hospital, police in nearby Darmstadt said. A further 23 people suffered minor injuries.
A 14-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man were flown to intensive care with rescue helicopters. The man had lost consciousness for several hours.
The other 23 injured players and spectators were examined by doctors and treated on the spot.
The lightning bolt struck the football pitch at 7:00 p.m. as the community’s youth and adult teams were holding a training session. Witnesses said the players were literally knocked off their feet.