Deniz Undav’s remarkable World Cup impact is rapidly turning him from Germany’s super-sub into a genuine contender for a starting role as Julian Nagelsmann’s side march into the knockout stages.
The Stuttgart striker once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice after coming off the bench to inspire Germany’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. The result secured Germany’s place in the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2014.
Undav’s latest heroics have elevated him into elite company. With three goals and two assists in just two substitute appearances at the tournament, he has recorded five goal involvements from the bench — matching Cameroon’s Roger Milla for the most by a substitute at a World Cup since records began in 1966.
The achievement is even more remarkable considering the uncertainty surrounding his place in Germany’s squad only a few months ago.
Earlier this year, Undav found himself at the centre of a public disagreement with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann after expressing his desire to become a regular starter for Germany. Following a late winning goal against Ghana in March, the striker openly discussed his ambitions, prompting Nagelsmann to suggest the comments were placing unnecessary pressure on himself.
The Germany boss later apologised for his remarks, and Undav has since responded in the best possible way — by producing match-winning performances on the pitch.
His double against Ivory Coast took his international tally to nine goals in just 11 appearances, strengthening calls for him to be included in the starting line-up for Germany’s final group match against Ecuador.
Nagelsmann admitted after the game that Undav is firmly in contention to start.
Rather than disrupting the striker’s momentum, the coach praised his ability to make an immediate impact whenever called upon and acknowledged that his current form is impossible to ignore.
Undav’s rise to the World Cup stage is one of football’s most inspiring stories.
Rejected by Werder Bremen at the age of 14 because he was considered too small, the striker’s dreams of reaching the top level appeared in danger of slipping away. Instead of giving up, he worked his way through Germany’s lower leagues while holding down a full-time factory job.
Speaking previously about that period, Undav recalled waking up before dawn to work eight-hour shifts operating machinery before attending training in the evenings.
The sacrifices eventually paid off.
A move to Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise in 2020 transformed his career. He helped the club win promotion before earning a transfer to Brighton in the Premier League.
After a difficult spell in England, Undav revived his fortunes at Stuttgart. The Bundesliga side made his move permanent in 2024, and he repaid their faith by scoring 19 league goals during the 2025-26 season, finishing second only to Harry Kane in the Bundesliga scoring charts.
That form earned him a place in Germany’s World Cup squad.
Now he is emerging as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Undav also impressed in his most recent start for Germany, scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-0 victory over Finland in a pre-World Cup friendly.
After collecting the player-of-the-match award against Ivory Coast, the striker admitted the recognition was special, but insisted the team’s progress remained the most important thing.
Germany are now dreaming of a fifth World Cup title, and if Undav continues his extraordinary run of form, he could play a decisive role in making that dream a reality.
