Not long ago, manager Julian Nagelsmann publicly criticized him, but Deniz Undav is now establishing himself as a vital asset for Germany during the World Cup.
His two goals in the thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast highlighted his significance, propelling Die Mannschaft into the knockout stages for the first time since their 2014 victory.
With three goals and two assists, the striker has contributed five goals in just two appearances off the bench—the highest for a substitute at the World Cup since 1966, matching Cameroon’s Roger Milla in 1990.
However, Undav’s position in the German squad was uncertain after a public dispute with Nagelsmann following his last-minute winner against Ghana in March.
Undav expressed his desire to earn a starting position with Germany, but Nagelsmann warned him not to put unnecessary pressure on himself with those statements.
Nagelsmann suggested that Undav might not have scored had he started but later revealed he had apologized to the forward.
Now, Undav is letting his performance speak for itself.
His impressive form has positioned him to compete for a starting role in the World Cup, raising his international tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances.
“Yes, definitely,” Nagelsmann remarked following Saturday’s win when asked about Undav’s chances of starting in Germany’s final group match against Ecuador on Thursday (21:00 BST).
“We can discuss various strategies. Why disrupt his momentum? He has come on and scored in both instances.”
This is just one chapter in the remarkable journey of a striker who has consistently defied expectations.
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‘I had to do that job for the money to live’
With his brace against the Ivorians, Undav became the first German to score in his first two World Cup outings since Miroslav Klose in 2002.
That’s elite company, but at one point, even participating in a World Cup seemed like a distant dream for Undav, who was turned away by Werder Bremen at the age of 14.
At 17, he was making £120 a week as a semi-professional in the German fourth tier while juggling football with eight-hour shifts in a factory.
“When Werder told me at 14 that I was too small to have a future with them, it broke my heart,” Undav recounted in an interview with Belgian publication 7sur7.
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“But I remained hopeful. I left my family home at 17 to sign with Havelse in the fourth division. I balanced playing and training while working full-time at a factory, operating a laser machine.”
“I woke up around 4 AM, spent the day at the factory, went to training, and returned home around 8 PM, repeating the cycle the next day.”
“I took on that job to support myself because football alone wouldn’t pay the bills.”
In 2020, Undav joined the Belgian second division team Union Saint-Gilloise, contributing to their promotion the following year and scoring 25 goals in the top flight, which led to a transfer to Brighton.
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However, after scoring just five goals in 22 Premier League outings in the 2022-23 season, he was loaned to Stuttgart, who later signed him permanently in 2024.
Undav netted 19 Bundesliga goals in the 2025-26 season, finishing second to Harry Kane in the top scorer rankings, securing his World Cup selection.
‘Undav has hit highest point for World Cup’
Nagelsmann has favored Kai Havertz in the attacking role during Germany’s victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, but Undav is making a compelling argument for a starting spot.
“He excels in open play,” praised the Germany coach.
“I could opt to maintain his momentum as a substitute, given that he has scored each time he has come on. He has truly reached new heights for the World Cup.
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“I could include him in the starting line-up. Every player desires to start, but I believe he is content with his current role, as he has played an essential part, and we are pleased with his contributions.”
“For Deniz, it was clear: he provided us with a lot off the bench. He doesn’t need special preparation; he can step in seamlessly.”
In his last start for Germany, Undav scored twice and assisted in a 4-0 friendly victory against Finland on May 31.
“It feels incredible,” said the Stuttgart forward after being named the player of the match against Ivory Coast.
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“I aimed to secure this honor previously, and it didn’t work out. It’s a wonderful feeling. Receiving the trophy is special, but the key is that we won and are advancing to the next round to see what lies ahead.”
If he continues this remarkable form, further accolades could follow—possibly even the World Cup title as Germany aims for their fifth championship.