From machine operator in factory to FIFA World Cup ‘superstar’, how Deniz Undav changed his destiny

Deniz Undav’s name is now on the lips of every football lover in the FIFA World Cup 2026. When Germany was trailing 0-1 in a thrilling match played against Ivory Coast in Toronto, this striker changed the course of the match as soon as he stepped on the field. Deniz Undav, who scored two goals in the second half to give Germany a historic 2-1 win, may be a star today, but his journey is no less than a film script. There was a time when he worked as a ‘laser machine operator’ in a factory for eight hours a day to earn his living.

The club rejected saying ‘you are too small’, did not accept defeat

Deniz Undav’s football career was not easy from the beginning. Bundesliga club Werder Bremen dropped him from the team, saying he was “too young” to be a professional player. This rejection broke Undav’s heart, but he did not give up. Left his home at only 17 years old and started playing for the Havelse team in Germany’s regional leagues. Recalling that period, Undav had told in an interview that he had to work hard in the factory along with football, because he could not survive on the 120 pounds he earned from football alone.

Waking up at 4 in the morning and returning home at 8 at night – such was the routine

Describing his days of struggle, Undav said, “I used to wake up at 4 in the morning, go straight to the factory, run the laser machine all day and then leave for football training. When I reached home at 8 in the night, my body was completely exhausted, but the next day I would repeat the same routine.” It was this hard work that gave him the never-say-die spirit on the field. Even today, despite wealth and fame worth crores, Undav says that he has no interest in designer clothes or luxury cars as he understands well the real meaning of poverty and hard work.

The feat of taking Germany to the knockout after 2014

Deniz Undav, a late entrant to the German national team, made his international debut in 2024. He did not get enough chances in Euro Cup 2024 and played only six minutes in the entire tournament. But by the time of FIFA World Cup 2026, he became the most reliable player of the team. Undaw, who came on as a substitute in the 60th minute against Ivory Coast, scored the first goal in the 68th minute with a brilliant volley shot and then scored the winning goal in the 94th minute of injury time, qualifying Germany for the knockout round for the first time since 2014.

Simplicity is the true identity of Deniz Undav

Unlike big football stars, Deniz Undav still considers himself an ‘ordinary person’. He clearly denies being part of the show-off generation. He believes that the days of struggle have taught him to stay connected to the ground. Even in the first match of the tournament against Curacao, he proved his usefulness by providing two assists and one goal. This forward player has now emerged as a big star of the future for Germany.