Deniz Undav’s place in Germany’s World Cup squad was not always secure after a public disagreement with manager Julian Nagelsmann following a late winning goal as a substitute against Ghana in March. Nagelsmann later warned that the striker was putting himself under unnecessary pressure with public comments about wanting a starting role and even suggested he might not have scored had he begun the match. The coach subsequently revealed that he had apologised to Undav after the exchange.
Since then, Undav has responded through performances rather than words, establishing himself as one of Germany’s most impactful attacking options. His form has shifted perceptions around his role in the squad and opened the door to a potential starting place in the tournament.
Explosive impact off the bench
Undav has delivered a striking output at the World Cup, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just two substitute appearances. That totals five goal involvements, a level not matched by a substitute at the tournament since 1966, when it was equalled by Roger Milla in 1990.
His influence has also placed him in rare German company, becoming the first player from his country to score in his opening two World Cup games since Miroslav Klose in 2002. Across international football, he has reached nine goals in 11 appearances, helping Germany secure progression to the knockout stage for the first time since their 2014 triumph.
Years of hardship before the spotlight
Undav’s journey began far from elite football, having been released by Werder Bremen at the age of 14 for being considered too small. By 17, he was playing semi-professionally in Germany’s fourth tier while earning around £120 a week and working full-time in a factory.
He has described starting days at around 4am, working long shifts operating a laser machine, then heading to training before returning home late in the evening and repeating the routine. He said the factory work was necessary to support himself financially because football earnings alone were not enough at that stage of his life.
Path through clubs across Europe
After his early struggles, Undav joined Havelse in the German lower leagues before moving to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2020. There he helped the Belgian side achieve promotion and later scored 25 goals in the top division the following season, earning a transfer to Brighton.
His time in England brought five goals in 22 Premier League appearances during the 2022-23 campaign, leading to a loan move to Stuttgart, which later became permanent in 2024. His form in Germany continued to rise, with 19 Bundesliga goals in the 2025-26 season, finishing second only to Harry Kane in the scoring charts.
Nagelsmann’s changing view and growing role
Germany has often started Kai Havertz up front in wins against Curaçao and Ivory Coast, but Undav’s performances have intensified debate over the attacking role. Nagelsmann has noted his ability to influence games when they open up and highlighted how effective he is when introduced from the bench, while also acknowledging he could start upcoming matches such as the final group game against Ecuador.
Undav’s last start for Germany produced two goals and an assist in a 4-0 friendly win over Finland, further underlining his attacking threat from the beginning of matches. After his standout display against Ivory Coast, where he was named player of the match, he said it was a special feeling but stressed the importance of the team progressing rather than individual awards.