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Deniz Undav is the key player for Germany, but the situation could have been completely different for the Stuttgart forward.

Then, all at once,Deniz Undavhad vanished among a crowd of Germany jerseys. The striker was lost in the enthusiastic group of his teammates celebrating after the Stuttgart forward netted a last-minute goal for Germany against the Ivory Coast in Toronto.

Initially, it appeared that Undav had not fully understood what he had just achieved.

“How do I manage it? I have no clue. I’m just in the right place,” said the 29-year-old, displaying his now well-known smile. Head coachJulian Nagelsmann, who demonstrated an ability to make the correct substitutions at the appropriate moments, was full of appreciation for his standout substitute.

“Deniz possesses an extraordinary ability to find the right position. As soon as there are gaps, he shows remarkable intelligence,” Nagelsmann said after the match.

Having scored nine goals in his past eight international games and netted three goals with two assists at this World Cup, Undav is not just the team’s most consistent performer, but also the leading goal-scorer at the moment.2026 World Cup.

Amiri: “Deniz is deadly when approaching the goal”

I’m absolutely thrilled. I found myself laughing again, even in Toronto, people are shouting my name, not only in Stuttgart,” Undav said later, filled with emotion. “I’m loving every moment; I’m absorbing everything.

It took nearly an hour for the German supporters to begin chanting “Deniz Undav,” urging the popular player to be substituted into the game. Nagelsmann reacted shortly after, and this move turned out to be crucial for the match.

“Deniz is completely deadly near the goal,” saidNadiem Amiri, who personally made an impact from the bench by setting up Undav for his first goal.

For Lothar Matthäus, Germany’s player with the most appearances, Undav brought to mind the legendary German forward.Gerd Müllerfrom the 1970s. “In this respect, we have a new ‘Germany goal-scoring star,’” said Matthäus.

Relocate to Belgium, the pivotal moment

Although Undav is now living the dream, his path to becoming a World Cup hero has been lengthy and anything but conventional.

In the end, he only turned professional eight years ago. In 2018, Undav signed his first professional deal with SV Meppen, competing in Germany’s third tier. However, it was during the 2021/22 season, after moving to Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium’s second division, that his career truly began to flourish.

The second season in Belgium was a game-changer,” said Undav. “Before that, I wasn’t really acting like a professional; that’s when things truly turned serious.

From Belgium, he relocated to thePremier Leagueclub to join Brighton & Hove Albion. The period he spent in England allowed Undav to strengthen his career as a professional.

I understood what is important in football: You need to work for the team, even when making runs that could appear unnecessary. It took me three or four months to realize that,” Undav said. “I suddenly became much more effective and valuable to the team.

Undav: “I am proud of my path”

His commitment, approach, and playing style continue to characterize him. Following his stint in England, the Bundesliga team Stuttgart acquired Undav in 2023, and it wasn’t long before he emerged as an essential player for the club.

I’m proud of the path I’ve taken. I believe I’ve faced and conquered many challenges,” Undav said two years back. “That’s what shaped me into who I am. Now I’m very confident in my words, but I’ve never lost my sense of humor.

More than two years since his Germany debut in 2024, Undav now plays a crucial part in boosting the team’s morale. Whether at club or international level, the forward alwaysputs the team first.

“What sets Deniz apart? He doesn’t overanalyze things. He arrives, performs his duties, and departs,” said the defender.Antonio Rüdiger.

Goal is to make the father feel proud

Football holds significance for Undav, yet his family remains his top priority. His parents originate from Viransehir, a city located in the southeastern region of Turkey. His father serves as a major inspiration, ensuring that Undav never lacked anything during his childhood.

“He held two or three jobs so that our children would have everything. If we desired something, he did whatever he could to obtain it, even working extra hours,” Undav said in an interview with the German Football Association (DFB).

“I try my best to bring pride to my father. He arrived in [Germany] with nothing and created a life for himself. I have the utmost respect for him for that. I don’t believe I could have accomplished that,” stated Undav.

Who knows, if I had been in ayouth academyall along, perhaps I would have eventually lost enthusiasm for football. But in this way, I still find pleasure in it and strive to appreciate each moment,” he added.

Will Undav start?

Undav featured for only six minutes during the Euros two years back. At the World Cup, he is rapidly emerging as an essential player.

Currently, he is Germany’s top substitute, but head coach Nagelsmann must determine whether to maintain Undav as a game-changing player coming off the bench or include him in the starting lineup.

We will explore both possibilities, including with Deniz,” said Nagelsmann. “In his heart, I believe he is quite content with this position.

Following the victory over Ivory Coast, Undav was honored as man of the match. “This one’s for my wife,” Undav said with a playful grin. After that, he vanished, heading into the stadium’s underground passages.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

Author: Thomas Klein