Deniz Undav has become one of the standout stories of Germany’s World Cup campaign after another decisive contribution helped his country secure a place in the knockout rounds. The forward struck twice in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, turning the match in Germany’s favour and helping the four-time champions advance beyond the group stage for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014.
His latest display further strengthened an impressive tournament record. Coming off the bench in both of Germany’s group matches, Undav has already accumulated three goals and two assists. Those five direct goal contributions equal the highest total ever recorded by a substitute at a World Cup since 1966, matching the achievement of Roger Milla in 1990.
The 29-year-old’s growing influence has transformed the conversation around his role in the squad, with increasing calls for him to be included from the opening whistle.
From disagreement to selection dilemma
Only a few months before the tournament, Undav’s position within Germany’s plans appeared far less secure. Following a late winning goal against Ghana in March, the striker publicly expressed his desire to compete for a place in the starting line-up.
Those comments prompted a response from head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who suggested the player was creating additional pressure for himself. The manager even remarked that the goal might not have arrived had Undav begun the match rather than entering as a substitute. Nagelsmann later revealed that he had apologised for those remarks.
Since then, the Stuttgart attacker has answered any doubts through his performances on the pitch. His international tally now stands at nine goals in 11 appearances, and Nagelsmann has openly acknowledged that a starting role in Germany’s final group match against Ecuador is a realistic possibility.
The coach praised the striker’s current momentum after the win over Ivory Coast, pointing out that Undav had scored in both matches after entering from the bench. Rather than interrupting that rhythm, Nagelsmann indicated he is carefully weighing the best way to use a player enjoying such productive form.
A journey built on persistence
Undav’s path to the World Cup was far from straightforward. He became the first German player since Miroslav Klose in 2002 to score in each of his first two appearances at the tournament, but years earlier even reaching professional football seemed uncertain.
At the age of 14, he was released by Werder Bremen after being told he was too small and did not have a future at the club. Three years later, while playing in Germany’s fourth division with Havelse, he earned just £120 per week from football and needed another job to support himself.
During that period, he spent full days operating a laser machine in a factory before attending training sessions. His routine often began around four in the morning and ended late in the evening, combining work and football simply to make a living.
Despite those challenges, he continued pursuing his ambitions. A move to Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise arrived in 2020, and he helped the club secure promotion before scoring 25 goals in the country’s top division. Those performances earned him a transfer to Brighton.
Reward for years of hard work
Undav’s time in England proved difficult, with five goals in 22 Premier League appearances during the 2022-23 campaign. A loan switch to Stuttgart followed, and the German club later completed a permanent deal in 2024.
The striker responded with the best scoring season of his career. He registered 19 Bundesliga goals in 2025-26, finishing second in the league’s scoring charts behind Harry Kane and earning his place in Germany’s World Cup squad.
While Kai Havertz has started Germany’s victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, Undav’s recent performances have strengthened his claim for a larger role. Nagelsmann highlighted the forward’s ability to exploit space and influence matches immediately without requiring time to settle into the game.
The Germany manager also stated that Undav has reached his peak level at exactly the right moment for the tournament. Whether as a starter or substitute, he remains one of the team’s most effective attacking weapons.
Eyes on bigger achievements
Undav previously demonstrated his quality from the beginning of a match when he scored twice and supplied an assist in Germany’s 4-0 friendly victory over Finland on 31 May.
After receiving the player-of-the-match award against Ivory Coast, the striker expressed his delight at collecting the honour. However, he stressed that Germany’s progression to the next phase of the competition mattered more than any individual recognition.
With Germany safely through to the knockout rounds and Undav producing decisive moments whenever called upon, his influence on the tournament continues to grow. If his current run continues, both personal accolades and team success may still lie ahead.