From factory worker to World Cup hero: Germany's Deniz Undav shines

Deniz Undav, Germany's "super sub," has become a standout player in the North American World Cup qualifiers, delivering a match-winning performance against Ivory Coast. The 29-year-old Stuttgart forward came off the bench in the 75th minute of the second group stage match and scored two goals in quick succession, leading Germany to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory.

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The important thing is that we won and advanced to the next round. Let's see what happens.

This win secured Germany's first-place finish in Group E, regardless of the final group match's outcome. Undav's impact extends beyond this single game; he also contributed one goal and two assists in Germany's opening match against Curaçao. His combined performance in his first two World Cup games totals five attacking points (three goals, two assists), marking the second time a German player has scored in consecutive World Cup debut matches since Miroslav Klose in 2002.

Undav's path to national team stardom is a remarkable tale of perseverance. Born to Turkish immigrant parents, he was largely unknown and lacked experience with German youth national teams. He was even rejected by the Werder Bremen youth team at 14 for being "too short." His dedication to football was challenged by financial necessity; at 17, he joined fourth-division club Havelse, waking at 4 a.m. for training before working an eight-hour factory shift to earn money, as his 120-pound weekly club stipend was insufficient for survival.

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Undav is in great form right now. Why would I stop him?

After playing for various amateur teams, Undav moved to Union SG in the Belgian second division in 2020. His prolific scoring, 25 goals in his first season, helped promote the team to the first division, leading to a transfer to Brighton in the Premier League. After a less impactful stint in England, he joined Stuttgart on loan and then permanently, becoming the Bundesliga's second-highest scorer last season with 19 goals, trailing only Harry Kane. Undav has continued his impressive form for the German national team, scoring 9 goals in 11 appearances, and has openly expressed his desire for a starting position.

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I had to work in a factory for eight hours a day. I had no choice but to survive.